Lady Falcons Bring Home Fourth Consecutive Win

White Pine, TN - Volunteer Lady Falcons brought home their 4th win in a row, 9th of the season Monday night following overtime against Lakeway Christian Academy’s Lady Lions with a final score of 77-75. They now stand 9-4 for the season, 2-0 in the Twin Lakes Conference. 

Senior Guard Jacie Begley dominated the court with 21 total points, multiple rebounds, steals, and blocks. Close behind her was Senior teammate Veda Barton with 14 total points, and sophomore Emilee Mailloux with 15 total points, one of which was the free-throw point made after three missed, to tie the ballgame 71-71 with less than 6 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Anna Houck, Emma Houck, Ava Jackson, and Jordyn Sizemore contributed to the remaining points.

The Lady Falcons battled back and forth all night with the game staying within a 8 or less point difference. They were down at the half 36-35 and came out of the locker room planning to leave with a win hence the gritty battle for 42 more points. 

Head Coach Caroline Laek let us know what was going through her head during the last few seconds knowing that all they needed to finish the fourth and final quarter with a win was made free-throws by Mallioux. She said, “We do a 7 minute free throw drill in practice and Emilee is normally clutch in it. I was just hoping she could keep her confidence and know that this is no different than practice.” 

The anticipation in the gym was apparent as Mallioux missed a set of free-throws and Lakeway got the ball; However, Mallioux was able to draw a foul giving her another chance to show everybody what she is capable of. All they needed to tie the match was 1 of 2 shots made - and she did just that. Coach Laek went on to say, “I think the biggest thing I took from that stretch is that her teammates could’ve reacted in so many different ways and yet they are encouraging her and continuing to fight with her to the end even though she struggled at the line late. That’s what you need in moments like that, teammates who see you at every practice and every game and believe in you even in a struggling moment.” 

It was obvious that Mallioux, Begley, Barton, and the rest of the Lady Falcons were diligent in their pursuit for the win. “You can’t teach or coach them to play hard and want it more. I’ve told the girls, we have to win at the intangibles in every game and tonight they did just that,” said Laek. 

The Lady Falcons will spend the next few days resting up and preparing to compete in their next game at Volunteer High School against Unicoi County on Friday, December 15th, and play in their final 2023 home game against Boone on Tuesday, December 19th. 

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White Pine, TN - Volunteer Falcons unfortunately met a different ending with a 86-42 loss. Placing them 2-10 overall and 1-1 in the Twin Lakes Conference. After the Lakeway Lions started the game with a 1st quarter 15 point lead, the Falcons put up points on the board but were unable to close the gap. 

Freshman Griffin Head led the team with 15 overall points. Following behind was Lucas Gilliam with 9, Luke Armstrong with 7, Owen Tullock with 6, Tucker McLain with 4, and Brycen Fegins with 1. 

The Falcons will look to redeem themselves on Friday, December 15th at home when they will face Unicoi County. Following with their final 2023 home game against Boone on Tuesday, December 19th.