Lady Indians plays in Gold Bracket semifinals in season-opening tournament

The Lady Indians wasted no time getting acclimated to a new season, playing five matches against ranked opponents in the season-opening Loganville Christian tournament. TFS dropped the opening match before reeling off back-to-back wins to enter Gold Bracket play. From there, the girls advanced to the semifinals round.

vs #2 Brookstone: L 1-2

TFS opened up against defending GIAA State Runner-Up Brookstone. Despite starting out stiff and uncomfortable, according to the coaching staff, the Lady Indians were edged out 25-22 in the opening set. Newcomer Sofia Livianos Moran settled in during the second set, pouring on a barrage of kills from the outside. Corinne Swinton added to the attack from the middle position as Tallulah Falls tied up the match with a 25-18 set.

The decisive third set went to Brookstone, 15-13. TFS held a 3-point lead before it slipped away.

vs #6 Stratford: W 2-0

The Lady Indians rebounded with a 2-0 win over a #6-ranked Stratford team that bested TFS in the Elite 8 last year. The girls won 25-18, 25-20 in straight sets. Lily Smith had a run of seven at serve, and closed the match out with an aces.

vs #4 Oglethorpe County: W 2-0

A tough #4-ranked GHSA team in Oglethorpe County was up next. Tallulah won again in straight sets, 25-22, 25-18. The Lady Indians were focused and in control despite fighting fatigue. 

Libero Laura Ruiz Rendon put on a defensive clinic that inspired the team to overcome adversity. Swinton, Rebecca Heyl, and Livianos Moran relentlessly attacked Oglethorpe as Tallulah put the final points in to secure the match.

Gold Bracket

vs #4 King's Academy: W 2-1

TFS played a near-flawless first set against King's Academy, securing a 25-13 win to take a quick edge. Exhaustion distracted the Lady Indians in the second set, according to coaches, leading to a 25-18 loss to even the match.

A challenging speech from coach Matt Heyl rallied the girls, and senior leader Becca Heyl led the charge. A combination of outstanding passing from the backline and consistent pressure from the offense resulted in a decisive 15-8 third set to claim the match. Swinton showed grit and determination in her back row play, and the Lady Indians were flawless in their serves in the final set.

vs #1 St. Anne Pacelli: L 1-2

Tallulah Falls dropped the Gold Bracket semifinals match to the #1 ranked defending state champions, St. Anne Pacelli, in a thrilling 2-1 contest. After winning the first set 26-24, TFS dropped the second set 21-25 and the final set 11-15. The only two teams to beat the Lady Indians on the day, St. Anne Pacelli and Brookstone, advanced to play in the tournament championship.

The Lady Indians are now 3-2 on the season.