High school volleyball: Clarkton recognizes milestones, tops Southland

CLARKTON — Clarkton High School volleyball players continue to reach milestone achievements.

Those accomplishments were recognized after the Reindeer defeated Tri-County Conference foe Southland, 25-16, 25-13, 25-15.

Senior outside/middle hitter Bree Winchester reached more than 500 kills in her one year-plus career at Clarkton.

Clarkton�s Angel Johnson (left) and Lexi Elizondo both attempt to bump the ball during a Tri-County Conference match versus Southland from Tuesday, Sept. 26. Elizondo recently crossed the 1,000-dig threshhold for the Reindeer. (Photo by Eric Viccaro, staff)

“Bree is definitely one of our go-to hitters,” Clarkton head coach Amy Cowart said. “In the off-season, Bree along with Angel Johnson worked on their passing and defense to become six-rotation hitters and defenders. Bree has a wonderful work ethic, and on several occasions asked me to open the gym for her to come in and get more workouts.”

Winchester, who transferred to Clarkton from Holcomb after her mother took a teaching job in the district, has amassed 306 kills this season alone.

Senior Lexi Elizondo crossed the 1,000-dig threshhold as a four-year varsity letterwinner.

“Lexi has played for me since she was nine years old,” Cowart explained. “From early on, she was in love with playing defense and wasn’t afraid of throwing herself all over the floor to make awesome saves.”

Elizondo has been the Reindeer varsity libero since her sophomore season. She’s also a proficient server with 96 percent accuracy and 46 ace serves. She had seven more digs versus the Rebels — to go with six aces.

A dig occurs when a player prevents the ball from hitting the ground on their side after an opponent has spiked or served the ball toward them.

Meanwhile, for Southland, this week has been about playing salty opposition on back-to-back days. The Rebels pushed powerhouse Gideon to four sets in a Monday loss.

“A tough schedule will make us better,” Southland head coach Kenny Vangilder noted. “Hopefully, we can win some of the games in the future. We have the capability.”

Shaylah Walker continued having a fine season with two aces, six assists and nine digs. Kylie Walker was tops in kills with nine to go with one ace block. Jaden Taylor was the Rebels’ statistical leader in ace blocks (three) and digs (12).

Cowart, who also celebrated passing 2,000 assists in a career this season, added 34 helpers versus Southland.

Winchester and Johnson combined for 26 kills and 11 digs. Johnson recorded a stellar .357 hitting efficiency. Alana Crowder contributed three ace serves and three digs. Nayely Rivera added six kills to round out the Reindeer numbers.

Malden plays at Charleston

CHARLESTON — The Malden volleyball team will compete in Pool B at the Charleston Bluejay Invitational on Saturday.

Malden’s matches will take place at 9:40 a.m. (versus Hayti), 12:20 p.m. (vs. East Prairie) and Egyptian of Tamms, Ill., at 4:20 p.m.

The Pool A and Pool B winners will meet in the championship match at 5 p.m.

Per Charleston athletic director Jordan Williams, games will start at 4-all.

Two-set matches will go to 25 points, with a cap at 27. The championship will be a best-of-three with no cap,

Plaques will be presented to both teams in that match.

Admission is $5 per person.

Camels add to slate

PIGGOTT, Ark. — Campbell High School athletic director Steve Fowler reported the volleyball team has added a match at Piggott for Saturday.

The varsity match will begin at roughly 11 a.m.