High-Spirited Lady Flyers , Providing Excitement at The Hangar

The Sandhills Community College volleyball coaches and players who talk about needing all 18 of their players to win matches this season have proven that the premise is more than just a cliché.

Whether it's playing in a double match against Pitt Community College in Winterville, NC on Saturday, or at The Hangar on the annual Pink Out Night against Central Carolina next Tuesday, the high-spirited Lady Flyers have been inspiring each other as well as a a fast-growing group of enthusiastic supporters.

"Eighteen players is the biggest team we've ever had," says Coach Alicia Riggan who is closing in on 300 wins in her 15 seasons at Sandhills. "It can can be challenging, giving the girls the playing time they want and feel they deserve.

"There are six people on the court, but it's all hands on deck. I think slowly through the season the entire team has bought into that. When they're that engaged they'll be ready when it's they're time to come in."

The Lady Flyers take a record of 13-7 into Saturday's noon and 2 p.m. matches against Pitt.  All but four of their matches this season have been against higher division opponents. They are currently ranked No. 9 nationally in NJCAA Division III and in second place in Region 10 with a 3-1 record behind 3-0 and No. 6 ranked Caldwell Tech.

While seeing less time on the court this season after finishing second on the team in assists on last year's squad that earned a spot in the national tournament, setter Alexis Hinson has been one of the leaders that have helped turn the The Hangar into a hotbed of energy and excitement that is also helping build a strong fan base.

"I feel like it takes 18 people to keep everybody up on and off the court," the product of Fairmont High School said before an early Thursday morning practice. "We started coming up with cheers to always keep us motivated. I feel like the energy of the team is passed on to the crowd.  When the crowd gets into it we feel it on the court and it keeps us going."

An outside hitter, Aydan Bullard feels the strong team support has helped her overcome some freshman jitters.

"The energy has been great on the sidelines and on the court," the Lumberton High School grad says. "For me I really like contributing on the sidelines. If someone is down we try to pick that person up."

A series of promotional efforts, including a staff night, a student night and a camp night have helped increase attendance.

In addition to parents, friends of players and faculty, the energy of an athletic group of players that has produced some of the longest rallies seen at The Hangar, has helped attract cheering sections located throughout the gym.

Near the entrance is a group of Flyers basketball players.  A student group is located in the middle and a number of junior Flyers campers have taken over an area at the far end.

Sophomores Noah Haskins and Brandon Huffman attend Coach Riggan's Health Science class. After enjoying an early season match, Haskins thought about helping start a student section. He and the others have come up with some group chants and also attended some away matches.

"Seeing the girls feed off of us is probably the most exciting part," Haskins said of his group's cheer leading role.

Huffman is particularly impressed with the way the Lady Flyers go airborne to save a ball from striking the floor.

"Volleyball is just fun to watch," he said. "It's a hard sport and they play it well."

Also helping draw fans are the five freshmen members of the team that came from local high schools.

Outside hitter Caroline Bradford prepped at Pinecrest High School along with teammates Sydney Garner and Lainey Mullins. Freshmen Hailey Kennedy and Ellie Everhart are North Moore and Union Pines graduates, respectively.

"It feels a little like high school, but the noise is even louder," Bradford says. "The energy from the bench is so awesome. It definitely keeps us in games, especially when we're down or aren't playing as well as we normally do.

"We have a great student section and the basketball players have been great. They're really funny and I'm really excited to go to basketball games and support them. A lot of our parents and friends are here so it's been really nice."

With athletic budgets at junior colleges stretched for funds, the increase in attendance and sales at the concession stand are welcomed by Athletic Director and Basketball Coach Mike Apple.

"There is a good reason our basketball players are enthusiastic about the volleyball team and make a lot of noise," he said. "Athletes respect athletes.  They watch our ladies play with emotion, go after digs and make plays, and they respect that.

"It's been fun and it all starts with our ladies doing a good job and being fun to watch."

Jashaun Torrence, a freshman guard from Mount Tabor High School, is a member of the Flyers basketball team that held its first official practice on Friday. He is impressed by the intensity of the ladies.

"When they get a point, they're whole bench gets excited," he said. "I see a lot of energy and excitement through out that group. It's pretty impressive how they can get up and swing at the ball and get it over the net. It's sight to see."

Torrence is anticipating the Lady Flyers will reciprocate by supporting the 2023 national runner-up basketball team that opens the regular season on November 3.

"I'm really good friends with all of them," says the Lady Flyers Bullard. "I might not be as loud as they are, but I'll be there to support them."

C. Bergmann