Aiken High volleyball ousted in Class AAAA Lower State finals

Aiken High’s volleyball season came to an end Tuesday night as the Hornets fell to visiting Fort Dorchester in the Class AAAA Lower State finals, 3-1. Aiken fell behind early but rallied to win the second set and even things up at 1-1, but couldn’t overcome the Patriots’ strong offense in the next two sets. The Patriots led throughout the opening set and pulled away late, closing the first set with a 25-14 win. Aiken, however, fought back to claim the second set. Fort Dorchester came out strong in the third and fourth sets to seal the match and move on to the Class AAAAA Upper State final.

Despite the loss, Aiken coach Holly Walker praised her team’s performance.

“I told my girls that if this is the last game we play, I’m proud of the journey we’ve taken and I told them we could hold our heads up high,” said Walker, “I am so proud of my girls and all they’ve accomplished this season.”

The Hornets’ 2022 season included many exciting highlights. During region play, Aiken finished second to perennial powerhouse South Aiken, ending a strong season that featured an opening-round victory in the state playoffs. They ended the year with a 20-12 record.

Walker said the program has plenty of reasons for optimism moving forward.

“We’re coming back with a very strong senior class,” said Walker, “These girls are all committed to our team. We’ve already begun planning and looking forward to a very bright future here at Aiken High volleyball.”

In the end, Aiken High’s season may have come to an end, but the team’s strong performances proved that the future for the program is indeed very bright.