Volleyball Roundup: Teams continue to serve up thrilling action as the season heats up

After an impressive 3-0 start to the season, the New Madrid County Central volleyball team experienced a humbling setback with consecutive losses, reminding the team of the challenges they face on the court.

The Lady Eagles (3-2) lost 3-2 in a gripping match to Malden (3-1) on Tuesday, September 5. The team won the first two matches 25-16 and 25-9 before falling 25-23, 25-23 and 15-13.

“We came out strong in the first two sets but let our guard down instead of finishing the game,” said NMCC coach Rae Jean Haines. “Malden came out ready to play the third set. We changed the lineup around the day before and I wasn’t sure how it was going to work. Needless to say, it worked very well, considering I had two freshmen, three sophomores, and a junior starting varsity.

“The girls played well,” she continued. “We just made crucial mistakes at crucial points in those last three games. We are starting to develop as a team and finding out what works and what needs to be rearranged. I was proud of how we played; they never gave up and fought till the end. When they do that you know they are only going to get better. Joebeth Riley stepped up and did a great job as well as hitting and playing the net well. Destiny Hughes had several digs and also hit the ball well. Mylee Cook hit well and set well for us. Aubrey Aycock and Lucy Hunter have done a great job being the only freshman on the team. These two are stepping up. Emma Howard also had some crucial digs and passed well. This is a young team with two new coaches and we are all adjusting well. I am excited to see where this team will go in the future.”

NMCC also lost in straight sets 25-4, 25-6 and 25-8 to Cape Central (5-0) on Wednesday, September 6.

__Portageville__

The Lady Bulldogs (3-1) defeated Hayti (0-4) in straight sets on Tuesday, September.

Portageville’s top performers were Laney Stone (nine kills, five digs and three aces), Jayla Weddington (eight kills and three assists), Ja’Niya Smith (seven kills, seven digs and two assists), Bryleigh Adams (seven kills, five digs and one assist), Glo Farmer (four kills and four digs), Aaliyah Larry (10 assists and four aces), Mia Scherer (19 assists, six aces and one kill), Liza Priggel (one ace) and Lily Beth Priggel (one assist).

__Oran__

The Lady Eagles (1-3) lost in straight sets to defending MSHSAA Class 1 State Champions, Advance (4-0) on Tuesday, September 5.

“Advance won the state championship last year for a reason,” said Oran coach Lindsey Bickings. “They are the whole package. Even though we tried to go into the game with a nothing-to-lose mindset, we still got into some pretty deep ruts. Current standouts by were Mari Fuemmeler serving and on offense, Bralynn Morgan on defense and offense and Kolie Morgan blocking.”

__Sikeston__

The Lady Bulldogs (0-3) lost in straight sets at Notre Dame (3-0) on Tuesday, September 5.

__East Prairie__

The Lady Eagles (1-3) lost in straight sets at Leopold (4-1) on Tuesday, September 5.

__Charleston__

The Lady Bluejays (0-3) lost in straight sets at Oak Ridge (2-3) on Tuesday, September 5.