GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The Tullahoma volleyball team won its home and season opener against Fayetteville, winning 3-1.

There was a noticeable excitement on the Tullahoma side, as another season of volleyball was underway. This positive attitude they showcased helped them overcome dropping the opening set. They were unfazed and continued to work together and cheer each other on. They went on to win the next two sets 25-17 and 25-18. Senior Gabriella DeCosta played a big part in helping the Wildcats establish an advantage in the second set, and she was using her serve to do it. She had three well-placed serves that gave the Wildcats an 11-7 lead. The senior proved that in her last year of high school volleyball that she is sure and ready to make a major impact.

“She has become a versatile player able to hit anywhere across the front row. We will be moving her around to get the best matchups and are counting on her to be a go-to scorer,” said Tullahoma head coach Daniel Lynch on what he believes Decosta could provide to the team prior to the official start of the season.

With the Lady Wildcats honing a 2-1 lead, they faced some adversity in the fourth set. They trailed early by a score of 1-7. Tullahoma was quick to snap back and won 11 of the next 15 points and gained a 12-11 lead. In that stretch, the communication between all Tullahoma players was a constant. This allowed them to overcome some powerful shots from the Lady Tigers and keep rallies alive to win some tough points. Tullahoma then got some big plays from two of their top performers in the match that helped them close out and secure their first win of the season.

Junior Gabbi Gardner hit a service ace to widen the Tullahoma lead to 15-12. Fayetteville later in the set went on a mini run, but sophomore Emily Bell shut it down. She had a big block at the net, and the very next point she got a kill from a strong spike that gave them a 23-19 lead. They then won two of the next three points to take the match. Bell and Gardner were the two kill leaders in the game for the ‘Cats–Gardner had seven and Bell had 10.

Tullahoma, after a strong start, will look to aim for a better record than their 2024 season, where they went 11-15.