LEOPOLD, WOODLAND TO COMPETE IN SECTIONAL VOLLEYBALL TOURNEYS

Both Leopold and Woodland have a history of successful girls' volleyball programs, and both schools have an opportunity to write another chapter in today's sectional tournament. Both schools claimed district championships earlier this week.

Leopold (23-5) captured the Class IA, District 4 Championship over St. Vincent and will compete in today's four-team 1A sectional at Poplar Bluff High School. The Lady Wildcats will take on defending state champion Bernie in the 3 p.m. opening round. In the later match, North Pemiscot takes on Winona at 4:30 p.m. The finals are at about 6. Woodland (23-5) claimed its district championship this past Tuesday by defeating Puxico in the Class 2A, District 3 Tournament. The Lady Cardinals will face Caruthersville in the four-team 2A sectional at Notre Dame High School at 3 p.m. today. Bloomfield and Belle face each other in the other sectional match at 4:30. The finals are at about 6. Leopold defeated Smithton for the state championship in 1997, but the Lady Wildcats were unable to advance out of the Class 1A, District 4 tournament last year. Leopold was defeated by Bernie in the SEMO Classic earlier this season."I have no idea how we will do against Bernie in this sectional," said third-year Leopold coach Leanne Huffman. "If we play well, we can compete with them, but Bernie is always tough." Huffman claims there are no standout players on her squad."We play tough as a team, there isn't really any one player that's stronger than the rest," said Huffman.

Even so, setter Sarah Gowen is arguably Leopold's strongest player, claiming all-state honors as a setter the past two years. Teammate and middle-blocker Emily Broshuis is skilled in all facets of her game hitting, passing and blocking.

One of Woodland's goals at the beginning of the year was to claim the Class 2A, District 3 championship for the third consecutive year. Although Woodland has accomplished much ( they placed fourth in the state tournament last year), the Lady Cardinals had more introspective goals this year, as well."Our team goal was to work on consistency, " said first-year Woodland coach Emily Johnson. "And that goal was accomplished. There have been several times this year that we have fought hard when we were down. We don't give up on a lot of balls; we're a very scrappy team."Woodland's district win over Puxico supports Johnson's claim. Puxico led Woodland 10-5 in the second game, only to lose 14-16. "The girls play with a lot of intensity," said Johnson.

Although Woodland hasn't faced Caruthersville this season, three seniors Sarah Booth, Lilo Whitener and Julia Cutsinger form the nucleus of a strong Lady Cardinal team.