Warcolts winning streak hits nine matches
Owen Middle School defeats Valley Springs, 2-1, to remain unbeaten
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 6, 2025
A flawless season for the Owen Middle School volleyball team continued, Oct. 6 when the Warcolts defeated Valley Springs, 2-1, in Swannanoa.
Owen improved to 9-0 with the victory.
The Lady Rams established an early lead, taking the opening set, 25-20, before the Warcolts responded by taking a 5-1 advantage to open the second. The home team led by as many 12 points in the frame, before closing out a 25-18 win to tie the match, 1-1.
The opponents exchanged leads early in the deciding set, which featured six lead changes before Owen knotted the score, 15-15. Owen scored the next point to take the lead, before the Lady Rams responded with one of their own.
The attack of the Warcolts overwhelmed Valley Springs, as they scored 5 straight to claim the match with a 21-16 performance in the deciding set.
Owen Middle School head volleyball coach Lisa Blankenship credited her team’s determination for its strong showing this season.
“These girls have a desire to compete and win, and from day one they wanted to push themselves and work really hard,” said the first-year head coach. “They gel really well as a team, and they pick each other up when they’re down, so it’s been fun to watch them want to have success on the court.”
Blankenship and assistant coach Heather Godfrey were encouraged by their players’ response to a challenging opening set against Valley Springs.
“We told them they had to be all in, they have the skills to do what needs to be done, so it was on them to dig themselves out,” Blankenship said. “We talk about being all in, as far as putting in the work, wanting it more than the other team and leaving it all on the court, and that’s what they did.”
The Warcolts will play their next two matches on the road against Asheville and Erwin before returning to Sue Hunnicutt Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20, to host Cane Creek in their home finale. The coaches are giving simple guidance to the young players: remain humble.
“They have to keep working hard no matter who they’re playing,” Blankenship said. “We’re going to keep doing that in practice, and make sure we remain focused on finishing the season strong. They’re really good at responding when they’re pushed, and they want to win. It takes a lot to be on top, but we don’t want to let it get in our heads.”
Photos of the Owen Middle School Warcolts ninth straight victory can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.