Warlassies make a bittersweet return to home court

Owen volleyball falls in opening round of playoffs

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 23, 2024

Just one week ago, it seemed doubtful that the Owen volleyball team would step on their home court again this season, as the Swannanoa Valley was left reeling in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. 

However, as the Warlassies became the first of the school’s teams to host a competition since the disaster, the occasion proved bittersweet, as they fell, 3-1, to North Surry in the opening round of the state playoffs. 

Owen, which entered the 2024 NCHSAA 2A Volleyball Playoffs as an 11th seed, after missing five of their last six matches in the aftermath of the storm, hosted the No. 22 Greyhounds. The Warlassies entered the contest five days after defeating Madison on the road in their regular season finale. 

North Surry took the first set, 25-20, before remaining in control throughout a 25-15 victory in the second. Owen battled back to take the third set, 26-24. The Greyhounds closed it out with a 25-12 showing in the deciding frame. 

It was an emotional night for the Warlassies’ four seniors, Savannah Hollingsworth, Jocelyn Russell, Emily Kleive and Lin Galloway, as they were recognized in a post-game ceremony. Following the final match of their Owen careers, each of the players were escorted by family members to the court, where they received flowers and gift baskets from teammates. 

Head Coach Nikki Roland was thankful her team was able to return to its home court to finish the shortened season. 

“These girls are feeling so many emotions right now,” she said. “We didn’t come away from this game like we anticipated, after playing a very strong team, but through everything we’ve been through, COVID and now this, we’ve stuck together.”

While most of the team will return next season, saying goodbye to the seniors was difficult for the Warlassies’ players and coaches, Roland added. 

“These girls have been here since I’ve been here, and I’m happy we were able to come home and give them the senior night they deserve,” she said. “They represent a key part of our team, and it’s important to honor them for all the hard work and dedication they’ve given to us all these years.”

Owen volleyball will regroup this offseason, according to the coach. 

“We have two juniors and most of the rest are sophomores,” Roland said. “We still have a lot left in us and we’re going to stick together and come out hoping to improve next year.”

Photos from the Owen Warlassies’ return to their homecourt in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.