Warlassies stretch winning streak to six

Owen settles in at the top of the conference with 3-1 victory over Hendersonville

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 9, 2026

The remaining unbeaten programs in Western Highlands Conference play faced off, Sept. 8, in a battle between Warlassies and Bearcats.

Owen, which entered the match having won five straight, extended its streak with a 3-1 victory over Hendersonville.

The win was the fourth against a WHC opponent in the last six matches for the Warlassies, who improved to 4-0 in conference competition and 8-2, overall. Hendersonville, which came into the contest with two straight victories, slid to 5-4, overall, and 2-1 in the WHC.

Three Owen players led the way with double-digit kills, as seniors Mia Roland and Ava Grant each recorded 14, while fellow senior and middle hitter Adeline West registered 12. Senior setter Kenzie Robinson recorded 38 assists, as the Warlassies outdueled the visiting team, 25-10, 23-25, 25-18, 25-17.

Owen overwhelmed the Bearcats in the opener, before falling behind by as many as 5 points in the second set. A versatile attack, featuring a high-flying performance by Grant, complemented by finesse plays from Roland and strong showings at the net by West, junior Ellison Duvall and sophomore Elle Lollis, powered the Warlassies to victories in the third and fourth sets.

Defensively, Owen notched 83 digs in the contest, as Grant, Roland, Robinson and senior Avery Boone recorded a combined total of 61.

The win marked the second straight at home for the Warlassies, who will return to the Owen court at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, when they host WHC opponent Madison. The team’s current homestand will conclude beginning at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a match against Swannanoa Valley rival Asheville Christian Academy.

Photos of Owen’s 3-1 victory over Hendersonville can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.