Chiles Defeats Lincoln in Volleyball Opener

On Aug 19th, the 2025-2026 Leon County high school volleyball season got underway with the Lincoln Trojans hosting the Chiles Timberwolves.

Going 28-1 last year, the 5A state champ Timberwolves have high hopes for the season with multiple notable players returning. These players include Natalie Gibson (Sr.), Eva Goodson (Sr.) and Lindsay Smith (Sr.).

Chiles experience showed early, as their strong offense helped the Timberwolves get off to a quick 10-3 start in the first set. Lincoln’s defense started to settle in with multiple impressive digs from Kenzie Popple (Sr.). The Trojans could not produce a consistent threat on offense which kept Chiles out of reaching distance. The Timberwolves won the first set with a score of 25-9.

The Timberwolves started the second set off hot once again winning four straight points continuing the trend from the first set. The Trojans were still looking for answers on defense as they lost the second set 25-9 as well.

Looking to force a fourth set, Lincoln started the third set with their first lead of the game going up on the Timberwolves with a score of 7-3. Lincoln tried to hold on to the lead as long as they could but the Timberwolves found an offensive rhythm finishing the game in straight sets with a third set score of 25-12.

Lindsay Smith led the T-Wolves with 12 kills, Sterling Carlile added 10 and Eva Goodson had 9. Maddie Joyner led the defensive effort with 14 digs, Goodson contributed 9 digs.

Lincoln Trojan statistics were not available.

Next on the schedule for the Lincoln Trojans is an away game against Leon on Aug. 21st in the Lions Den.

For their second game of the regular season, Chiles faces off against Maclay at home on Aug. 21st.