The Habersham Central volleyball team bludgeoned its way into the state tournament bracket Wednesday with an emphatic straight set win over Clarke Central in the opening round of the Region 8-5A tourney. HCHS took the match 25-17, 25-4, 25-8.
The biggest individual story in the Clarke Central matchup was the milestone evening for HCHS senior setter Laci Fitzgerald, who surpassed the 1,000 assists mark for her career in Mt. Airy. On Wednesday, Fitzgerald tallied another 23 assists, while simultaneously posting a team high 6six aces.
Senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Maci Williams added five aces and 16 digs, while senior outside hitter Jayden Jarrett finished with 10 kills in the match.
Locking up a playoff spot means a lot to a program that missed out on the postseason a year ago. But Habersham isn’t satisfied with simply making an appearance.
“We have a great chance at being successful. Our first (potential) matchups are probably the most favorable they’ve been in a long time,” said HCHS coach Lindsay Herrin. “I told the girls that they have a chance to really do something special, they just have to believe they will.”
Herrin says it’s the little things that will dictate her team’s success from here on out.
“We have to keep out-hustling our opponents, maintain positive energy, and focus on playing one point at a time,” she said. “At this point in the season, the girls know what to do and they know what it is going to take to not only play well, but to get a few more wins under our belts too.”
Before the state playoffs tip off next week, the Lady Raiders still have work to do in the region tournament. Habersham was set to face Loganville after press time Thursday with a spot in the region title match on the line. The semifinal tilt took place at Jackson County High School. Check thenortheastgeorgian.com to see how HCHS fared Thursday night and for information regarding a potential matchup Friday.