Volleyball is official at Dawson County High School.

Last week the Lady Tigers teams took the court for the first time as a high school program when they faced Gainesville and Lakeview Academy in tri-matches at Lakeview.

Around 40 fans traveled to support the team and despite the losses at an away venue, people were pulling for the newly installed program.

The GHSA official for the varsity match expressed excitement over volleyball in Dawson County saying it was a good first effort for a brand new program.

"I was super proud," said Head Coach Tanya Porter. "I was thinking last night, wrapping my mind around from July to mid-August, what they have been exposed to, learned and implemented."

The team lost the first match in two games to Lakeview (25-13, 25-11).

Jitters were a big part of the initial matchup according to Porter.

"Honestly I thought we did better than I thought we would do," she said. "Especially considering the first game jitters. They came out for the first time out and visibly they were shaking."

The team struggled with passing efforts which slowed the pace of the offense.

Sophomore Kaylee Sticker led the team in kills with four from the outside hitting position.

Roxie Fricton and Marlie Townley added two kills each. Townley also had three blocks and Emma French had one serving ace.

In the second match, the Lady Tigers faced an experienced 8-AAAAAA team in Gainesville.

Despite the disparity in longevity and size of the program, Dawson was able to get on the board to put together a couple of short runs.

The Lady Tigers lost 25-11 and 25-8.

"If we were playing a JV schedule, we would be in great shape," Porter said. "But we are playing a varsity schedule with people who have never played before.

"We have to be patient with ourselves."

Porter encouraged the team, reminding them of what it means to be a part of a new program.

"You are the foundation," she said. "Without you, this doesn't happen ever. You are starting something great."

The Lady Tigers will host their first home match at 5 p.m. on Thursday against Pinecrest Academy out of Forsyth County.

In Junior Varsity action:

The junior varsity program also got its start last week, competing in a tri-match with Lakeview Academy and Gainesville. The team was able to pick-up a win (25-3, 25-14) over Gainesville, but lost (25-6, 25-16) to Lakeview Academy.