East Prairie wins rivalry bout with Charleston in straight sets

CHARLESTON, Mo. — In another highly contested chapter of the Mississippi County rivalry, East Prairie bested Charleston in straight sets at CHS on Monday, September, 19.

In a spirited atmosphere filled with rambunctious and passionate supporters for both teams, the Lady Eagles (3-6-) soared to victory, overpowering Lady Bluejays (1-7-0) by securing set scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 26-24.

“It fired us all up and made us want the win even more,” said East Prairie senior Jerzey Vinson. “We tried our hardest and we were able to come away with the victory.”

East Prairie's Jerzey Vinson (28) digs�during a 3-0 win at Charleston on Tuesday, September�19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The rivalry between East Prairie and Charleston runs deep, with each game carrying immense significance for both schools. It is a battle that extends beyond the volleyball court, representing a clash of pride, tradition and community.

The latest victory for the Lady Eagles not only bolstered their record but also served as a reminder of their determination to uphold their school’s honor in the face of their fiercest rivals.

“This game is so important,” Vinson said. “We’ve been struggling and had multiple losses, but we all wanted this one badly and we came here and fought for it.

Charleston's Soma Hooper (11) sets�during a 3-0 loss to East Prairie on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We all did well, showing teamwork and positivity out on the court tonight,” she continued. “We had some good hits tonight because everyone had trust in each other to put the ball right where it needed to be.”

Right from the start, East Prairie showed good form, executing its plays with precision and finesse.

“I liked the first set, I thought, my gosh, this is what I have been waiting on,” said East Prairie coach Kelle Goodding. “My hitters were locked in and everyone was trusting each other, but this rivalry makes everyone dig a little deeper. Charleston fought hard and wanted that win, but we were able to take it.”

East Prairie's Olivia Hayes (11) goes for a kill�during a 3-0 win at Charleston on Tuesday, September�19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

In addition to Vinson, Lady Eagle middle hitters Lydia Valencia and Sydney Aycock’s contributions were vital to getting the victory

Vinson finished with a game-high five aces along with 11 kills, 11 digs and three assists. Valencia had four aces, two kills, two blocks and an assist and Aycock contributed five kills, four digs and one block.

“Tonight was excited about our middle hitters,” Goodding said. “They were being aggressive with their blocks again. Sydney Aycock was confident and you could see it with all her hits, getting above the net and sending it down.”

Charleston celebrates winning a point�during a 3-0 loss to East Prairie on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The Lady Eagles’ other contributors were Remi Cade (three kills, three assists, three digs and an ace), Kylee Gilliam (three digs, three assists, two kills and an ace), Olivia Hayes (nine assists, eight digs, three kills and an ace), Alison Miller (17 digs and four assists), Maryn Grissom (one dig) and Ella Dunn (one dig).

“Remi Cade was able to find some holes and I was proud of her,” Goodding said. “Kylee Gilliam had a great game [against Southland] even though the rest of the team was struggling and she continued that tonight. She was ready again with those serves again tonight.

“When we communicate, and I don’t mean call the ball, but when we’re talking to each other about where we are struggling and what we are doing right, this happens,” she continued. “I hope this opened their eyes to how things work out when we are talking and sharing the ball.”

East Prairie's Sydney Aycock (5) serves�during a 3-0 win at Charleston on Tuesday, September�19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

East Prairie's Sydney Aycock (5) serves�during a 3-0 win at Charleston on Tuesday, September�19, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Charleston captain Tamiya Sims and Soma Hooper were the Lady Bluejays’ top performers.

Sims finished with 16 digs, five aces, two kills and a block, while Hooper had 21 digs, five kills and an ace.

“Our captains have been setting up lately,” said Charleston coach John Snider. “They keep everyone motivated on the court, they do things that captains should be doing and I’m proud of them for that.”

Charleston’s other top contributors were Kylianne Johnson (three digs, three kills, two assists and an ace), Saylor Humphrey (six assists, four digs, three aces and a kill), Kari Murphy (six digs, four kills, an ace and an assist), Bailey Eastman (five digs, two kills and an assist) and Kyndal Whitfield (two digs).

“Our girls played great and I was proud of the way they executed,” Snider said. “The outcome wasn’t what we wanted but we continue to make great improvements. We carried the momentum into today from our first win yesterday at Zalma. We are playing as a team but the one thing we have to work on is our serves. That’s what hurt us today, giving away too many points.

“But our passing game has gotten a lot better since the start of the year,” he continued. “We have been working on our passing, setting and hitting, and now it’s all starting to come together. We’re looking forward to growing and competing for the rest of the season.”

Both teams will compete in the Gideon Tournament, beginning Thursday, September 21.