The 2019 campaign for northeast Georgia area girls volleyball teams did not produce a state champion, but more than a dozen teams advanced to the Georgia High School Association playoffs.
In all, 14 area teams advanced to postseason play across seven classifications. Three teams -- Buford in Class 5A, Jackson County in Class 3A, Rabun County in Class 2A -- made the semifinals while five others advanced to the quarterfinals.
Gainesville and Habersham Central both advanced to the playoffs in Class 6A. Buford made it to the semifinals in Class 5A. In Class 4A, White County advanced to the quarterfinals and West Hall qualified out of Region 7-4A.
There was a crowded field in Class 3A that had five teams advance to the playoffs. Jackson County fought into the semifinals, including knocking off North Hall in the quarterfinals. Cherokee Bluff and Dawson County also made it to the quarterfinals while Jefferson fell in the second round.
Rabun County advanced to the semfinals in Class 2A while Union County got knocked out in the second round.
As the 2020 season is slated to get underway on Monday, Aug. 10, changes will abound as reclassification moved programs up, down, and all around. Gainesville (Class 7A), Buford (Class 6A), Jackson County (Class 5A), and Jefferson (Class 4A) all are moving up in classifications. Other playoff teams in White County and West Hall are moving down a classification from 4A to 3A.
North Hall, however, is the four-time defending Area 7-3A champion and is staying put. But the Lady Trojans, who advanced to the quarterfinals in 2019, graduated a slew of seniors that went to two semifinals and four quarterfinals in their time.
Longtime coach Emi Hughes said the cupboard is not bare, though.
“We have no seniors, which is probably a first for us since I’ve been here,” Hughes said. “But we have a big, talented sophomore class that I think can carry the weight for us.”
Sophomore setter Lexi Martin is back to take the role of on-court leader and sophomore hitter Sara Davidson is back as the top front-line offensive threat. A pair of freshmen hitters in Mary Hays Wiilliams and Clair Bowen are expected to give Davidson plenty of help.
But four teams in the reconstructed Area 7-3A advanced to the quarterfinals in 2019, including newcomer White County, which was in a tough Region 7-4A last year.
“This was a tough area before and it’s going to be just as tough this year and probably deeper when you look at who is coming into the area,” Hughes said. “I’m sure everyone is looking to try and knock us off as the (area) champs and we look forward to the competition. We are young and the ‘young’ girls we have don’t really scare. But there is a lack of experience in some areas and that is an unknown.
“But I think they will respond to the challenges. It should be a fun season.”
Buford, a semifinalist in Class 5A in 2019, is moving up to Region 8-6A, which saw its four playoff teams in 2019 swept out in the first round. The Lady Wolves are set up for what could be another monster year and deep playoff run.
They return their entire roster from last season, including Region 8-5A Player of the Year in junior blocker Mikayla Hayden. Now-sophomore power hitter Ashley Sturzoiu returns as does senior libero Macy Upshaw and senior setter Grace Adams.
Lady Wolves coach Hadli Daniels admitted that the expectations are high. They are the only northeast Georgia program to ever claim a state volleyball title, their last of two straight coming in 2016 in Class 5A, and they are hoping to add to that.
“We always want to compete for titles but with everyone back and a year older and better, we are looking for big things this year,” Daniels said. “I don;t know that much yet about 6A, or our region either, because we really haven’t been able to get out and scout teams. But our main focus is just on ourselves and getting better each day.
“I think right now we’re probably a little ahead of where we were last year at this time, which is amazing with all that has been going on. The girls are very motivated to get out there and play.”
Rabun County was another semifinalist (Class 2A) in 2019 and won Region 8-2A as well. But the Lady Wildcats will be sporting a new coach in Meredith Coleman, a former Rabun County graduate (2013).
It is the first coaching stint for Coleman, who just recently graduated from North Georgia.
“It’s been kind of a whirlwind but I wanted to come back to my school and teach and coach and this is just a great opportunity,” Coleman said. “I’m very excited about getting going.”
Despite the newness of Coleman, the Lady Wildcats should once again be poised to challenge for a region title and beyond.
They return a strong and experienced lineup led by seniors Beth Payne, Sophie Raby, Carolina Garcia, and Sarah McKissack.
“These girls know what they need to do to be successful. We still have high expectations, no matter who is the coach,” Coleman said. “They have a ton of talent and experience. We’re working hard on improving some areas and fine-tuning the little things they already do well.”
Rabun County and North Hall will open their seasons on Tuesday, Aug. 11 in a tri-match at East Hall. Most area teams also will serve up the beginning of the 2020 season that week as well.
