BRYSON CITY, WNC – Swain opened conference play Thursday by hosting a tough Andrews squad that looks to be in the thick of a wide open SMC race. Things opened great for the Lady Devils, coach Sonya Blankenship couldn’t have scripted the first two games any better. Swain rolled out to 25-19 and 25-14 wins in the first two games and looked well on their way to taking 3 straight.
But fate stepped in and dealt the Lady Devils a cruel blow as setter Valerie Arkansas injured her ankle. Now the Lady Devils have two more very capable setters, but the mere fact that five matches into their season the Lady Devils had to adjust to losing a key starter was a big deal. Especially considering the importance of starting off conference play with a win on their home court. Arkansas injury happened with 2 points from the game 2 win for Swain.
In game 3 it took Swain some time to figure out a new dynamic on the court without Arkansas. After falling behind early they battled back and made a game out of it despite losing 20-25.
Then Swain closed it out in game four by the score of 25-23. Karie Jones and Jessica Winchester stepped in for Arkansas as they handled the setting duties for games 3 and 4. As both of them are starters it meant having to move positions around, shuffling more than just the two of them.
“It was a big win,” commented head coach Sonya Blankenship, “Our kids really had to step up in a big time environment. I am really proud of them.”
With the win Swain moves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in SMC play.