By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
In a conference showdown of undefeated teams, the Cabool Lady Bulldogs emerged victorious over Ava in two, 25-21 and 25-23, and broke the school record for single wins in a season, 27-4-1. Now 6-0 against SCA teams, they are guaranteed at least a share of the conference title.
“Last year, we set our school record of single season wins with 26 and so tonight we beat it with 27,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Julia Reaves. “The girls are excited, especially for Tuesday (vs. Salem). We’ve never won a conference outright here at Cabool. I know the board says 2010,” said Reaves, motioning to school records on the gym walls, “but that was a three-way tie. That was my senior year. So this is a little special for me and for the girls. I may not sleep; we are excited, pumped, ready to play.”
Coach Reaves and Ava head coach Emily Petty also have a shared history. Each is currently coaching at their alma mater, where they went head to head as players from middle school through high school.
“I knew they were out to get us tonight, both teams undefeated, and they showed up ready to play,” said Coach Reaves of the Lady Bears. “They’re a good ball team. Emily’s come a long way with the Ava program, so I give her props. They’re in the top of the conference, too. I’m proud of her and excited for her.”
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Game one began as a back and forth contest with the teams tying six times. Then Cabool propelled to a five-point lead thanks to solid hitting led by Hailey Shannon and Grace Shockley. Errors began to plague the Lady Bulldogs, and Ava pulled back within two points, 23-21. Cabool claimed the final two points to win the round.
Shannon added five kills and Shockley three in game one.
Ava picked up the first two points in game two, but Shannon’s work at the net helped Cabool to a two-point lead. Sydney Snelson’s diving save changed momentum for the Lady Bears, who took advantage of Cabool errors and snuck ahead again, 14-13. Lauren Hall, Haley Herrera, and Claire Fossett each added a point for Ava as Grace Shockley added two. Ava errors allowed Cabool to close the gap and tie the game at 23.
Hailey Shannon once again came up clutch with a spike at the net, 24-23, and Grace Shockley sealed the deal with a kill.
“That was incredible,” said Shockley of her winning point. “It’s my senior year, and we broke a school record tonight. We’re on our way to some great things this year.”
Coach Reaves said Hailey Shannon, a sophomore, was moved to varsity early last season, a decision she doesn’t regret. “When she’s on, she’s on, and she can hit the ball. Tonight, she was on. She was ready to play and does very good about swinging and putting the ball down.”
Reaves also noted the reliable play of her libero, Katlynn Ellison. “I’m going to miss her next year,” she said. “She does not let a ball hit the floor. She has received over 300 served balls and she only has like 13 errors over the whole year.”
Lady Bears head coach Emily Petty said her coaching staff has been together for two years, “and we’ve crammed about four years into two. We’re really trying to push these girls to play at their absolute peak. They did tonight, they talked and communicated, and were working together as a true team.”
The middle-heavy crew featuring Claire Fossett and Olivia Heriford, as well as libero Kaylee Downs on the back row were key contributors for Ava.
“We knew this was going to be tough, a battle from point one to point twenty-five,” said Coach Petty. “We got on a little run at the beginning but they are such a powerful team and they’ve got hitters all the way around; if there’s not one hitting the next one beside her is just as good. They’re a great volleyball team and I’m proud of my girls for sticking it out and really playing together tonight. It stung, but we told them to let it sting and to work past it. There’s more to this season.”
The Lady Bears move to 17-6-1 on the season and host the MVBT-Liberty Lady Eagles for Senior Night Tuesday. “It will be another battle,” said Coach Petty. “It’s been quite a while since Ava has beat them, and I’m excited to have them come to our house to let them see what we’ve been doing.
The Lady Bulldogs host Salem Tuesday to determine the SCA Conference champion.
