Source: Williamson Herald     Author: Charles Pulliam

Capping off regular season district play undefeated, the Nolensville High School volleyball team continued their success with a victory in straight sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-20 Thursday night at budding rival Franklin.

"To go through this district undefeated in the regular season is a testament to how our girls prepare night in and night out," said Nolensville head coach Brett Young. "They have their minds in the right spot, do their jobs, and execute."

"Franklin is such an improved team from last year," continued Young. "They have so many weapons. I think they put themselves right in the heat of this district and really played well all year. We were fortunate to get a win on their home court."

Nolensville finished the regular season 35-4 overall and 8-0 in district play and will earn an opening round bye in next week's district tournament hosted at Centennial.

"I think what helps is that coach Young puts in a good lineup, and we are all comfortable with whoever we are in with," said Nolensville senior Caroline Johnston of the team's success.

The Admirals (24-6, 4-4) suffered a second district defeat this week after falling in four sets at Brentwood Tuesday. They pushed Nolensville to five sets in their first matchup earlier this month.

"I was proud of the way we played," said Franklin head coach MaKayla Beebe. "I think we played a little less clean than the first time we played them. I thought we really fought hard."

In the first set, Nolensville stayed on top, but Franklin remained in striking distance with fewer than three points difference in the frame throughout. Kills from sophomore Kaira Knox and freshman Addison Wiemann along with an ace by junior Marlee Holden helped secure the opening set victory, 25-23.

Franklin battled back, leading the second set twice at 15-12 and 18-17. Big plays came from sophomore Kayla Dunlap (six kills and two blocks), senior Taryn Roberts (seven kills) and junior Dylann Garner (10 kills).

"I was really proud of the way we were swinging," Beebe said. "I thought they did a great job coming up big with kills and finding the shots that we needed."

However, Nolensville rallied to win the frame 25-21 with kills from junior Maggie Allred, Knox and senior Maggie Rickert to go up 2-0.

"I love setting them (Maggie and Kaira)," Nolensville senior setter Ellie Tant said. "I trust them, knowing that they will get a kill or the ball over the net to keep it in play."

In the third set, Nolensville turned up the heat with timely aces and kills from Knox and Rickert along with seniors Katie Hammonds, Peyton Neal and Madeline McNeely to win the frame 25-20. Knox finished with nine kills and Rickert added eight more.

"I thought we were sluggish early," Young said. "Once we settled down, our passing was really good for the majority of the match. When we can pass a high number, our setters and hitters are going to do big things for us."

Franklin will face off against Brentwood in the district semifinals Wednesday.

"Always when you reach the postseason it is a new season," Beebe said. "We are on the road to state, and that is our goal."

Nolensville, the three-time defending state champions, will host the winner of the play-in game between Ravenwood and Centennial. The Cougars upended the Raptors Thursday with a 25-22, 25-23, 9-25, 25-19 to close out district play.

"The biggest thing is when you have been able to have the success we have had, you don't hide from those expectations," Young said. "One thing we try to do when it is postseason time is to be in it one match at a time mentality. Somebody is moving on to the championship and somebody is done for the year. Right now nothing matters but next Wednesday for us."

"We know we have a target on our backs," Johnston added. "I think if we take baby steps and check off our boxes in the order that we want to, then it will play out in our way."