Portageville bests Oran in battle of shorthanded teams

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Overcoming adversity and illness within the team, the Portageville volleyball squad delivered a commanding straight-sets win over Oran on Thursday, September 21.

The Lady Bulldogs (18-2-2), winning of five consecutive matches, defeated the Lady Eagles (3-11-1) with set scores of 25-14, 25-8 and 25-17.

“As a whole, this week the team has been struggling with sickness,” said Portageville coach Sasha Kellams. “We are finally getting over everything, but it’s nice to have girls who can step up and take charge when you need them to. Last night, I felt we played really well and were getting lots of opportunities at the net.”

Oran's Caroline Brashear (3) digs�during the team's five-set loss to NMCC at OHS on�Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Portageville top contributors were Glo Farmer (11 kills, seven digs and two aces), Jayla Weddington (nine kills, four digs and one assist), Taryn Irby (11 digs, nine killand one assist), Laney Stone (15 digs, seven kills and one ace), Bryleigh Adams (seven digs, two aces and two kills), Aaliyah Larry (15 assists, one dig and one ace), Mia Sherer (25 assists, two aces and one dig), Liza Priggel (three digs, two kills and one block) and Lily Beth Priggel (two kills, and one dig).

Portageville wasn’t the only team that had to make lineup changes coming into the game, as Oran was without two starters, perhaps its top player in Bralynn Morgan and setter Bailey McCoy.

“Portageville does everything well,” said Oran coach Lindsey Bickings. “Going into the game with a brand new lineup, I will admit I was a little worried that the game would take a toll on my girls. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome of the first and third sets, my girls didn’t hang their heads despite Portageville’s high level of talent and played hard to keep the ball in play versus their powerful offense.”

Despite facing challenges and players being out of their usual positions, the Lady Eagles showed some positive things.

Cora Woods excelled in the back row with five digs, five kills, errorless serving and three blocks. Mari Femmeler had some aggressive hitting and finished with 11 digs and a kill.

Piper Bennett contributed 11 digs and consistent hitting attempts while playing both front and back row. Carolina Brashear stepped in and setter and provided 10 assists and eight digs.

Kollie Morgan played it safe against strong blockers with eight digs, three kills and an ace. Ava Forehand took on a new role and held her ground in serve receive.

Portageville will host Sikeston (4-11-2) and Oran will play Zalma ((3-13-0) at home on Monday, September 25.