Warlassies stay on top of conference with home victory over Polk

Owen rolls, 3-0, remains unbeaten in Western Highlands Conference

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 23, 2026

The Warlassies wasted no time, Sept. 22, establishing a commanding lead over Polk, in front of the cheering crowd in the Owen gymnasium.

What followed was a signature performance by the home team, as the Warlassies swept the season series between the programs, 25-15, 25-11, 25-14, solidifying their position on top of the Western Highlands Conference.

The victory was Owen’s 19th straight in conference play, as the reigning champion improved to 11-3, overall, and 7-0 in the WHC. Winners of nine of their last 10 matches, the Warlassies are returning to the style of play that resulted in one of the most successful seasons in program history a year ago, according to head coach Nikki Hinson.

“We’re finally getting back to where we were near the end of the regular season last year, and everyone is starting to really embrace and settle into their roles,” she said. “The beginning of the season is always a little tough, because school is just starting and everyone is adjusting, but we’re really seeing players focusing on their individual roles and do the things they need to do.”

Senior Mia Roland, who has battled injuries throughout the season, led the Warlassies with 13 kills against the Wolverines, while fellow senior and middle hitter Adeline West notched 12 and recorded 4 total blocks. Six Owen players registered kills in the match, as senior setter Kenzie Robinson led the team with 20 digs and 35 assists. Roland was responsible for 15 digs, while sophomore Elle Lollis contributed with 5 kills, 5 blocks and 4 assists. Senior outside hitter Ava Grant’s 7 kills came on 30 attempts.

“Tonight it felt like they were all out there having fun again. I think at times this season, things have gotten a little too serious, with overcorrecting or being too hard on themselves,” Hinson said. “What we saw tonight was them making small mistakes and quickly adjusting. I was going to call a timeout in the third set, but they wanted one more chance and they figured it out. Seeing them have that confidence felt like a big step.”

While a 3-2 loss to Asheville Christian Academy, Sept. 15, with Roland out of the lineup, was Owen’s first in nearly a month, the experience marked a pivotal moment in the season, she added.

“That game really required them to show up, trust each other and step up, because they didn’t have that leader on the court,” Hinson said. “They found the dog within them and they were in a position to win that match. I think that gave them the confidence to know they can make the plays and do the things they need to do to be competitive against really strong opponents.”

Trust, communication and consistency will be the keys to finishing the season with a second consecutive conference championship, the coach continued.

“Just show up to practice and work on the things that we can get a little complacent on,” Hinson said. “There is always room to grow. We’re at the halfway point of the conference schedule, so I think they all realize it’s time to lock in.”

Owen will travel to Enka at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, to face the 2-9 Sugar Jets. The Warlassies will return to their home court at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, when they host WHC foe Avery.

Photos of Owen’s victory over Polk can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.