Varsity Volleyball

School Record Holder: 46 assists in single-match, 754 single-season assists and 1,533 all time leader in assists

SWEET SIXTEEN

VARSITY LADY INDIANS

It was another ‘Sweet’ season for the Lady Indians, who made plenty of history in a season that culminated in a second straight Sweet 16 run. A tight-knit group of seven seniors set the tone early in the season, as the team’s comradery and chemistry was evident on any given night. That translated to a 2021 season that featured TFS making history.

The Lady Indians went 23-12 overall, representing the most wins since 2018. In the process, TFS defeated six top-10 ranked opponents, including a historic win at home over #1-ranked and undefeated Murphy (NC).

TFS advanced to a seventh-straight state playoff appearance, securing a fourth consecutive region runner-up finish as well. The region tournament produced one of the team’s top-10 wins over #7-ranked George Walton that locked down a home playoff match. The girls defeated Fellowship Christian in the opening round of state, making the Sweet 16 for the third time in school history and a program record twice in a row.

One of the many highs of the season included TFS finishing ninth overall among 75 teams in the Rocky Top Tournament in Tennessee after winning four out of five matches. The Lady Indians also reeled off six straight wins, tying a program record achieved six times in total.

Among the records set by the Lady Indians in 2021 included new singlematch records for kills and assists. Junior Sarah Jennings had 28 kills in a match, while senior Allie Dalton recorded 46 assists, as both set new school records. Dalton also set a new school record for single-season assists with 754, topping the previous mark of 539. In the process, she became the school’s alltime leader with 1,533 assists, breaking the record during the first set of the opening round of the state tournament. Jennings surpassed 500 career kills, and now has 668 heading into her senior season and has the record of 852 in sight. She had 316 kills (2nd most in a single season) and 333 digs (5th), and 78 aces (3rd) in what became one of the top individual seasons in TFS history. Jennings sits second in kills all-time, fourth in digs, and fifth in aces all-time.

Along with Jennings and Dalton, seniors Barrett Whitener (captain), Alba Romanos Gracia, Evette Corwin, Nancy Fisher, and juniors Addy McCoy and Kitty Rodenas to name a few, were among the standout players for TFS.

Tallulah Falls was well-represented in All-Region awards, as Jennings was 1st Team All-Region for the second straight season. Dalton and Whitener earned 2nd Team All-Region recognition, while Corwin was named All-Region Honorable Mention.

Coach Matt Heyl’s 23 wins runs his current record to 95-65 heading into next season, where he needs just five to reach 100 and is six shy of becoming TFS’ winningest volleyball coach.