By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Like many Fair Grove players, Allison Findley is continuing a family tradition.
The good part: Adding your legacy to a winning program. The bad part: Having your older sister analyze your performance after most games.
But there wasn’t much to critique Thursday night, as Fair Grove dominated Diamond 3-0 (25-13, 25-8, 25-20) in a Class 2 sectional.
The Lady Eagles (30-1-4 overall) extended their unbeaten streak to 30 games.
“They got in here and they took care of business,” Fair Grove coach Tonya Peck said of her squad. “That’s what we have to do at this time of year: Stay focused. No mercy, pedal to the metal.”
A lineup stacked with familiar names has led the way for Fair Grove this season.
The varsity roster features many players who grew up watching their older sisters play for the Purple and White – names like Findley, Maxwell, Bell and Stallings. Senior Kameron Green and younger sister Abbey Green, a sophomore, bring a sibling connection to Fair Grove’s current squad.
“This is a tradition,” Peck said. “They’re not just new to this. They’ve been around Fair Grove Volleyball, whether playing or watching siblings, for a long time.”
Allison Findley’s biggest critic – and fan – might be her older sister, Alana, who now plays basketball for Drury University. Alana was a multi-sport standout for Fair Grove and graduated in 2019.
“I just remember feeling a lot of pressure coming into high school,” said Allison Findley, a junior. “She’s in the stands now and she’s kind of coaching me. She definitely critiques me after games. But I appreciate it and I love it when she comes to watch. She cheers me on.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE MATCH
Fair Grove will host Strafford this Saturday in the Class 2 quarterfinals, with a trip to next weekend’s state championships in Cape Girardeau on the line.
Strafford and Fair Grove split a pair of regular season meetings, with Strafford winning 2-0 at the Branson Tournament back in August. Fair Grove prevailed at home in five sets on Oct. 6 in the official conference matchup.
In a rivalry series that never lacks emotion, Saturday’s rubber match will have an extra incentive: Going to state.
“It doesn’t matter when or where we play. It’s going to be a tight game with high emotions,” Peck said. “There’s going to be more at stake this game than any other game we play them, so it’s going to be a battle for sure.”
Said Findley: “It’ll be very loud, I know that. We just have to make sure to keep our focus and confidence throughout the match.”
Fair Grove wasn’t caught looking ahead on Thursday night. The Lady Eagles, coming off their first district championship in nine years, were in control for all three sets against Diamond.
“We were aggressive at the net. Then, our defense was extremely scrappy. We were keeping stuff off the floor and just playing smooth together,” Peck said. “As a coach, it was fun just to sit over there and cheer them on.”
Diamond coach Morgan Murray credited Fair Grove’s overall team speed and athleticism.
“They’re quick. So quick. We haven’t seen a lot of teams like that,” Murray said. “I mean, wow, they’re just all-around solid. Every one of them can jump out of the gym and they can all hit.”
Hannah Maxwell led Fair Grove in kills (13) and digs (19). Sophomore setter Brooke Daniels drove the Fair Grove offense with a team-high 21 assists, plus three aces.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
Peck said her squad has remained focused since winning districts on Tuesday night.
“They were super pumped Tuesday night. We had practice yesterday and they know we’re here to take care of business,” Peck said. “They knew we had to do this tonight in order to move on. It’s not like we get another chance. We have to win. And they’ll be ready to come into practice (Friday) in preparation for Saturday.”
Diamond, which lost senior middle hitter Kilyn Gardley to an ankle injury early in the match, gave a spirited effort in the final set before falling 25-20.
The Lady Wildcats finish 23-10-4 overall, a season highlighted by the program’s third district title in four years.
“They have a lot of heart and they work really hard,” Murray said. “They weren’t ready to quit, they weren’t ready to give up and they weren’t ready to go home. They played to the very end.
“I’m very proud of the season. And we can only get better from here. We’re losing three seniors, which hurts, but I’m ready for next season and eager to see what we can do from here.”
