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Pioneer VB holds back Hibriten, 3-0

Brooke Scheffler (20) slams a kill shot against Hibriten on Sept. 21.

By David Rogers for HighCountrySports.net

BOONE, N.C. — Visiting Hibriten was a vastly more competitive team than in previous years, but Watauga still had their volleyball number on Sept. 21, winning 3-0, at Lentz Eggers Gym, 25-16, 25-11, 25-10.

“We knew that they were much improved over previous years,” said Watauga outside hitter Caroline Farthing after the match, “but we have won the Northwestern Conference for nine straight years. We want another conference championship this year. Our mindset going in was to focus on our side of the net and do what we do best. We try to never play down to an opponent’s level.”

Faith Hill (5) goes up for a Watauga block vs. Hibriten on Sept. 21.

Brooke Scheffler now splits her time between outside hitter and designated setter — and her stats reflect the dual role in this match with 15 kills, 15 assists, and 7 digs.

“From the time I first started playing volleyball in grammar school,” said Scheffler, “developing versatility has been important to me. At this level, and even at the next level in college, having that range of skills makes me more valuable to the team.”

Kenzie Baldwin (7) looks to set a kill opportunity for Carolina Farthing (22) on Sept. 21 vs. Hibriten at Lentz Eggers Gym.

When Scheffler was introduced as part of the senior class Homecoming court on Sept. 16 during the football halftime at Jack Groce Stadium, her college plans became no longer a secret: she plans to attend Furman University for her academic studies while also playing on the school’s volleyball team.

Offensively, Farthing led the team with 20 kills, 5 digs and 5 service aces, while Faith Watson added 3 kills and 3 stuffed blocks. Cam Norris contributed 18 assists, 9 digs, and a service ace to round out the statistical leaders.

Watauga junior varsity also won in straight sets, 25-19, 26-24. Hadley Woods recorded 9 kills 10 assists and 3 service aces, while Grace Tillery added 7 kills and a block to lead the JVs, statistically.