Fair Grove volleyball has been one of the area’s most consistent programs over the past decade-plus. The Eagles have won at least 20 matches in 13 of the past 15 years, but a final four appearance has eluded them since 2013.
On Saturday, that drought ended as the Eagles swept El Dorado Springs to advance to the Class 2 final four for the first time since 2013.
“They have had a goal and it was to get to this game (the state quarterfinals) and get to the final four,” Fair Grove head coach Tonya Peck said. “But our goals aren’t over. They have more goals.”
Fair Grove came out on fire dominating the first two sets by margins of 25-11 and 25-14. In the third set, El Dorado Springs battled Fair Grove all the way to the end, but the Eagles had the answer to close out the set and the match 25-23.
“My kids are gamers. All seven of my kids that play have been on a state run whether it is in basketball or softball. I knew that they could live up to this moment,” said.
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The Eagles are an experienced group who have gone 63-3-6 over the past two seasons on the volleyball court.
“This group of kids have been playing on varsity since they were freshmen and sophomores. I have never in my 23 years of coaching had a group that loves to compete (this much) and not just compete but compete for the purple and white. They love Fair Grove,” Peck said.
Now the veteran roster will get to add a new experience to their resume by competing in the Class 2 final four. Fair Grove (33-1-2) will face Arcadia Valley (17-15-4) in the Class 2 state semifinals at 4 pm on Friday in Cape Girardeau.
