Volleyball Recap: Haley Mendoza's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Cherokee over Etowah + How To Watch

Cherokee was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They were a single set away from ending the streak, but they lost a 3-2 heartbreaker at the hands of the Etowah Eagles. Warriors fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team has lost against the Eagles since Thursday.

The defeat didn't mean the game wasn't competitive: Etowah scored at least ten points in every set. The match finished with set scores of 25-18, 25-20, 20-25, 20-25, 15-10.

Haley Mendoza

Digs

09/11/25 vs Etowah	17
09/09/25 @ North Paulding	10
08/26/25 @ North Cobb	13
08/19/25 vs Walton	6
08/12/25 vs Kell	12
+ 6 more games

Cherokee's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Haley Mendoza, who had 17 digs and two aces. With that strong performance, Mendoza is now averaging an impressive 10.4 digs per game. Charleigh Young was another key player, getting four digs and two aces.

Etowah can attribute much of their success to Kate Holley, who had 15 digs and two assists.

Cherokee's defeat dropped their record down to 4-19. As for Etowah, their record now sits at 13-6.

Cherokee has already played their next matchup, a 3-0 loss against Marietta on the 16th. As for Etowah, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 2-1 defeat against Mt. Bethel Christian Academy on the 13th.