Athletics News
State Playoff Preview: Volleyball
The Lady Indians are back in the state playoffs for the 10th straight season - a program record with no sign of letting up soon. TFS has registered a 25-15 record on season, including a Region Runner-Up finish and four wins this year against ranked opponents.
Tallulah Falls is ranked #8 in the state, and go into its first-ever GIAA State Tournament. In the setup, the top four teams in Class 3A are host sites, with four teams in attendance. Therefore, the first two rounds will be completed on the same day. For TFS, that means going to St. Anne-Pacelli, the #1-ranked overall team in the state. The opening round for Tallulah comes against #9-ranked Stratford Academy, and the winner will take on St. Anne or 16-seed Mount de Sales Academy.
Throughout the season, TFS has been paced by junior Becca Heyl (239 kills, 279 digs, 71 aces) offensively, as the outside hitter leads a group of six players with 100-plus kills. Sophomore Shelby Whisnant with her 107 aces has been among the state leaders at the serving line. She also has 118 digs and 104 kills. Junior setter Margalida Amengual Sanchez (422 assists, 245 digs, 125 kills, 84 aces) has been fantastic, as has senior setter Chesney Tanksley (316 assists, 132 digs, 43 aces) in running the offense. Defensively, freshman Ca'Rin Swinton (126 kills, 49 digs, 38 blocks, 15 aces) has been huge at the net. Freshman Lily Smith, junior Laura Ruiz Rendon, and seniors Julia Smith, Caroline Smith, and Jace Ibemere have been key contributors as well.
TFS will seek a second-ever Elite 8 spot with a win in the first round. A potential win over top-seeded St. Anne would propel the team into the Final 4.
WHAT: #8 Tallulah Falls Lady Indians State Round 1 (Sweet 16) vs #9 Stratford Academy
#8 Tallulah Falls Lady Indians State Round 2 (Elite 8) vs #1 St. Anne-Pacelli/#16 Mount de Sales Academy (if TFS wins first round)
WHEN: Saturday, October 12 | 4 PM
WHERE: St. Anne-Pacelli HS | 2020 Kay Cir, Columbus, GA 31907
TICKETS: $15 for Adults, $10 for Students | GOFAN
WATCH: Live Streaming Provided by GIAA TV