Portageville shines at jamboree, outperforming NMCC, East Prairie and Kennett

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Emerging as the undisputed victors with a flawless 3-0 record, the Portageville volleyball team left no doubt about their superiority as the team hosted a jamboree on Tuesday, August 22.

In a dominating display of skill and prowess, the Lady Bulldogs asserted their authority by winning all nine sets against East Prairie, New Madrid County Central and Kennett, outscoring their opponents with an impressive margin of 135-64.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the way we played in the jamboree,” said Portageville coach Sasha Kellams. “Of course, there are always areas to improve on, but seeing my players implement the skills we’ve been working on in practice is a great feeling. I felt all of my players played very well. We played the net well when it came to blocking, which we’ve been working on this season.”

Portageville celebrates after winning a match�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Portageville’s journey began with a resounding 15-6, 15-7, 15-3 triumph over East Prairie. The team’s momentum carried into their second match against NMCC, where they notched 15-10, 15-5 and 15-8 victories.

The Lady Bulldogs’ relentless drive persisted in their final game against Kennett, showcasing outstanding teamwork and individual talents, securing 15-5, 15-10 and 15-10 wins.

Throughout the jamboree, the senior players, including Jayla Weddington, Laney Stone, Aaliyah Larry and Lily Beth Priggel, along with the notable contributions from juniors Bryleigh Adams and Ja’Niya Smith, and sophomores Glo Farmer and Mia Scherer, made significant plays and had standout moments.

Portageville's Ja'Niya Smith (13) serves�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“My players also play with so much passion, and it’s exciting to see as their coach,” said Kellams. “We are very blessed with some natural athleticism. I’ve been very fortunate to coach some exceptional athletes with natural abilities.”

NMCC shows its tenacity in its opening match against Kennett, edging out a hard-fought victory with scores of 15-14 and 15-12 in the first two sets. However, despite their best efforts, they faced a setback in the final set, resulting in a closely contested 15-10 loss.

“We came out strong against Kennett,” said NMCC coach Rae Jean Roach. “We hit strong against Kennett, blocked well, and just played fundamental ball. I was proud of how we were playing, but we kind of fell apart after that and need to work on our mental game.”

NMCC's JoeBeth Riley (4) serves�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Sophomore JoeBeth Riley and junior Destiny Hughes made a strong impact with their hitting and blocking skills, while junior Jordan Eakens and sophomore Miley Cook excelled in their setting duties.

The team’s only freshman, Aubrey Aycock, displayed impressive skills in her first varsity game.

Sophomore Emma Howard contributed to the team’s passing game and junior newcomer Emani Jackson showed great determination to improve her skills.

NMCC celebrates�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

With just one senior, Liberty Morrison, the team is young but full of promise. They continue to work hard and improve every day, with Roach emphasizing the importance of self-belief.

As the season progresses, NMCC has the potential to achieve great things.

“We will get it figured out,” Roach said. “These girls are talented and they working on improving their game.”

East Prairie's Sydney Aycock (5) goes for a spike�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

In a convincing display of skill, East Prairie secured a decisive victory over NMCC with scores of 15-7, 15-11 and 15-8.

Senior Jerzey Vinson was the team’s standout hitter, consistently delivering powerful attacks.

Senior libero Alison Miller highlighted the defensive efforts, making crucial plays to keep the team in control.

East Prairie competes�during the Portageville Volleyball Jamboree on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Vinson and Miller also demonstrated leadership qualities, guiding their teammates both on and off the court.

The team’s success was bolstered by the contributions of several other players. Freshman Olivia Hayes made an impressive impact with her solid serving in the first set, helping East Prairie establish an early lead with an ace and a kill.

Sophomore Sydney Aycock showed great athleticism throughout the game, ultimately sealing the second set with a well-timed block.

Freshman Remi Cade secured the third set with a clinching ace.

Hayes, Aycock and Cade all exhibited the potential to be rising stars.

Additionally, seniors Lydia Valencia, Kylee Gilliam, and juniors Maryn Grissom and Brooklyn Irby provided valuable support with their respective skills.

“I’m thankful that Portageville invited us to the jamboree again this year,” said East Prairie coach Kelle Goodding. “We came off excited and ready to make some adjustments before our home opener next week and came away fired up for the season to begin.”

Kennett’s win came against East Prairie, winning the first two sets with scores of 15-8 and 15-10, before losing the third set 15-9.