Volleyball: EJCHS topped by Oconee, JCCHS

The Eagle volleyball team (0-4) took one on the chin against Oconee County, losing 25-13, 25-5, then dropped a close contest to main rival Jackson County, 25-22, 19-25, 14-25.

East Jackson coach Tim Thomas said Oconee County turned out a dominant performance in the first match.

“Oconee showed why they’re the favorite to win our area,” Thomas said. “They’re pretty sound all through the rotation.”

Against Jackson County, East Jackson “came out on fire” according to Thomas in the first set, but the Eagles eventually fell behind.

“We were down 20-15 at one point but our girls kept their heads and put up a great rally to win,” Thomas said. “We did the same thing in the second set, but couldn’t pull out the rally that time.”

Thomas said his team lost its confidence in the third set and couldn’t put plays together.

“That’s to be expected with a younger team like we have, but this group’s skills are much better than they showed this week,” he said.

East Jackson picked up 15 aces and 11 kills Thursday, “but we need way more than that,” Thomas said.

“It’s impossible to win if you’re relying on the other team to give you two-thirds of your points,” he said.

Statistical leaders were Madison Mealor (five kills, four aces), Reagan Robach (11 service points, five aces) and Angela Hulsey (five assists).

The junior varsity beat Jackson County in two sets and lost two very close sets to Oconee County.