DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Gainesville girls volleyball team opened its 2023 season with a solid 3-1 win over Lumpkin County on Thursday.
The Lady Red Elephants won the final two sets in a 25-20, 21-25, 25-18, 25-14 victory after a back-and-forth duel early.
It was a strong opening test for both teams, who each made the playoffs in 2022 in their respective classifications.
Avery Lindsey led the way for Gainesville with 24 assists, 2 kills, 2 aces, 5 digs and 3 blocks. Hannah Stewart added 12 kills, 2 digs, and a block, Kyndall Butler had 6 kills, 4 aces, 7 digs, and 2 blocks, and Kailyn Haven had 3 kills and 3 blocks for the Lady Red Elephants.
Kathy Huynh had an ace and 5 digs, Maddie Hinshaw had 14 digs, Madison Brown had 5 kills, 4 digs, and a block while Taylor Reid had 6 kills and 5 blocks on the night.
Gainesville next will travel to Apalachee on Saturday to take part in the Queen of the Court Tournament.
CHESTATEE SPIKES GILMER FOR OPENING SWEEP
Chestatee opened its season with a dominating win over Gilmer on Thursday.
The Lady War Eagles swept the match 25-10, 25-15, 25-8 getting solid play from a slew of underclassmen.
Junior outside-hitters Valiree Schmus and Kadence Wolfe combined for 24 kills, 4 aces and 2 blocks. Junior Payton Cable added 5 kills and 2 blocks as well.
Senior setter Abby Allgood paced the offense with 16 assists and also added 4 kills. Sophomore setter Natalie Sykes had 15 assists and 5 digs on defense. Freshman Jyliann Rivera had 6 kills for the Lady War Eagles.
Next the Lady War Eagles will play host to the Chestatee Elite Tournament on Saturday.
