Signal powers past Hixson in sectional

photo Signal Mountain players celebrate after their TSSAA Class AA state sectional volleyball victory over Hixson on Thursday.

For the Signal Mountain high school volleyball team, it was business as usual as it swept Hixson 3-0 in their Class AA state sectional Thursday night at Signal Mountain.

The Lady Eagles won 25-7, 25-6 and 25-18 to advance to the state tournament, a familiar place for them.

Signal Mountain pushed the pace early, racing out to a 7-2 lead that was quickly pushed to double digits at 14-4. Amanda Thielges and Taelor Kellum set the tone, going a perfect 5-for-5 when Thielges set Kellum for the kill.

"They're two seniors who have played together since the sixth grade, so by now it sort of just comes naturally to them," Signal Mountain coach Jennifer Redman said.

Thielges finished with 30 assists, 20 of which were put down by Kellum. The Lady Eagles continued their quick pace while keeping the mistakes at a minimum.

Libero Aryn Sanders anchored a tough defense with 16 digs, while Aubrie Johnson tallied four blocks.

"I'm feeling good -- that was nice," Redman said. "We really came in expecting that, because the girls have been very focused in the postseason and playing well. Our goal was to get back to state."

The Lady Wildcats came out of the brief intermission before the third set with energy and confidence, determined to push their opponents. They tripled their score from the second set and stayed close for a while before the Lady Eagles could pull away to win.

"That's a very good team," Hixson coach Janet Tate said of Signal Mountain. "I haven't seen a better one out there."

Tatyona Staten came alive to down her five kills in the final set, and Abby Tipton picked up 12 digs for the Lady Wildcats.

Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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