The Falcon volleyball team has been rolling this season. After a tough loss at the beginning of the month, they’ve fought back with 7 straight wins, including conference rivals T.C. Roberson, Enka, and Erwin.
The team is being lead by a strong senior class, including Casey Brown, Darby Fisher, and Ashley Downer. Both Fisher and Downer are committed to play Division 1 (D1) volleyball at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) and Gardner-Webb, respectively. But a major part of the team’s success isn’t a senior.
Sophomore Malia Moore has been dominating on the court all season, and it’s nothing new. Moore finished her freshman year with 230 kills, 345 assists, 153 digs and 23 aces. She also added on five triple doubles. Moore is second on the team in kills with 155, fourth on the team in digs with 138, and second in assists with 259 this year.
Moore has two more years to improve, and she’s working hard to reach her full potential.
“I go to Parisi for about hour to an hour and a half, and also play for Xcel, which is a travel volleyball team. We play almost year round and travel to play big tournaments,” Moore said.
While she enjoys taking on the challenges of being a leader on the team, it can sometimes be stressful for Moore.
“I can really feel the pressure, especially during big games and moments when the team really needs me. It’s definitely an honor, and I really enjoy it.” Moore said.
Her hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Assistant coach Cathy Corliss has seen Moore make great strides as an athlete and as a student.
“She’s been a valuable asset for sure… she goes at it 100 percent at all times,” Corliss said. “She’s young, but she’s very talented. She has a very good mindset; she rarely gets down on herself.”
Being surrounded by such an experienced team, which includes seven seniors, has really made an impact on Moore.
“They’ve definitely pushed me… they’ve definitely pushed to my full potential and encouraged me to be a leader, and been great leaders to me,” Moore said.
The Lady Falcons will play their next game Tuesday, Oct. 2, against Tuscola at home.
By: Wyatt Hughes, Sports Editor
