Warlassies retain flawless conference record with fifth straight win
Owen completes sweep of Mitchell to improve to 15-1
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 30, 2025
A flawless record against Western Highlands Conference opponents this season remained in intact for Owen, Sept. 30, following a 3-0 victory at home over Mitchell.
The 25-19, 25-20, 25-10 win was the Warlassies’ second over the Mountaineers this season and their fifth straight, as the team improved to 15-1.
Owen, which opened the campaign with 10 straight victories before falling, Sept. 16, to Asheville Christian Academy, never trailed in its home match against Mitchell. Junior setter Kenzie Robinson coordinated an attack featuring fellow juniors Mia Roland, Ava Grant, Adeline West and seniors Gracyn Farish and Easton Whitson, completing the regular season sweep of the Mountaineers and improving to 9-0 in the conference.
The Warlassies, in the midst of one of the best seasons in the program’s history, were motivated to return to their winning form, following their sole loss, according to third-year head coach Nikki Hinson.
“We realized what we could do this year, looked back at the history of Owen volleyball and that gave us something to strive for,” she said. “They have a chance to do something special here, so that gives them something extra to play for every night.”
The team, which has victories over Mitchell, Avery County, Polk County, Mountain Heritage and Rosman since Sept. 17, is continuing to develop its already potent chemistry, according to Grant, who is among Owen’s top three in kills and leads the roster in aces.
“What’s really helping us is that we’re communicating a lot,” she said. “On the back row, before every play we’re talking about who has what part of the court. We’re letting Kenzie know when the hitters are open and who she can dump to.”
Owen’s latest performance offered an example of what the team has been doing well throughout the season, according to its leading blocker, West.
“We did a good job of keeping our energy up, staying positive and having fun on the court,” she said. “I definitely think we all know how to help each other stay out of our own heads. Our chemistry is amazing, and we’re able to support our teammates when things get tough, mentally.”
The Warlassies will face a challenge at home, beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, when they host 10-6 Hendersonville.
“We need to fine tune our basic fundamentals,” Hinson said. “Blocking will be huge against them, because they have several solid hitters. Staying kevel-headed is going to be the biggest thing. They have a solid program, so we have to come with the intensity and drive we brought against Polk.”
As Owen heads into its final four matches of the season, the team’s path to achieving its goals this season is clear, according to West.
“We want to win conference and go to state,” she said. “We have to keep communicating, always have a positive attitude on the court, practice hard, but then play even harder.”
Photos of Owen’s victory over Mitchell can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.