HOT SPRINGS — At Paris, coaches might change, but one thing does not and that’s the tradition of winning state titles.
The Lady Eagles (33-6) added to their tradition when they defeated Central Arkansas Christian (21-9-2) 3-2 (25-13, 23-25, 25-9, 25-22) for their sixth state championship, first since 2021, by winning the Class 3A state title at Bank OZK Arena.
It’s the first for head coach Jerry Fulmer, a longtime assistant who was hired in July when Josh Garcia-Hart left. Fulmer was Paris’ third coach in the past three seasons. Garcia-Hart replaced Jordan Devine, who led Paris to the 2021 title and stepped down after the 2022 season.
“That’s what we’re hoping for,” said Fulmer. “I’ve been in this program for a while and I knew the group that was coming up. This group of seniors didn’t want to leave without a ring. During the season, we had some ups and downs and there were a couple games where we didn’t play well. They kept rallying and the seniors brought us through.”
Served by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
The Lady Eagles were led by Claire Zeiler, who was named MVP with 15 kills, 3 aces and 7 digs. Lauren Reames added 10 kills. Ashton Ihle had 8 kills and 10 digs. Annabelle Perry had 24 assists and 20 digs. Kaydence Freeman had 14 digs and Rowan Patterson had 19 digs.
Fulmer was happy for Zelier, who has been the team’s leader.
“Claire has been the leader of the team all spring and summer,” Fulmer said. “Volleyball has been her life. Her mom posted videos of her at the mall when passing a ball around when she was third or fourth grade. Volleyball has been her passion. She played basketball for one year and it wasn’t her thing.
“She was the one leading the team through the offseason. Two games ago, she said something in the huddle and everyone followed her. People don’t follow lazy leaders. She puts in the work and time and they responded to her. I’m so incredibly happy for her to get that award.”
Central Arkansas Christian was led by Kayla Myers, who had 17 kills and 10 digs. Addi Brighton had 24 assists and 7 digs. Kindle Walker had 25 digs.
Paris won the first game 25-13, breaking open an 8-6 game by going on a 10-4 run. The second set featured four ties and three lead changes with the last tie being 21-21. Baylee Burnette had two kills and Jordan Bales had one to make it 24-21. After a service error by Calleigh Atcherson and a kill by Perry closed it to 24-23, a service error by Sandy Privett ended the game in the Lady Mustangs’ favor.
Paris took control of the third game, breaking a 2-2 tie with eight consecutive points, not allowing Central Arkansas Christian to get back into the game.
The fourth set featured 13 ties and nine lead changes. Central Arkansas Christian led 22-21 before an attack by Burnette went into the net to tie the match at 22-22. Privett’s serve was handled by Burnette, whose return went into the net, giving Paris the lead at 23-22.
Reames and Zelier had kills to end the match.
“The defense and the work we put into the last few weeks, paid off,” said Fulmer. “The rest of our game paid off. All year long, serving has been a weapon. A lot of times, their setter was running away from the ball. If she’s running up, she’s getting the ball to their hitters and that’s a big difference.”
Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown said her team had a hard time getting into its offense all night.
“It came down our serve-receive,” said Brown. “We did’t have a good serve-receive and we had trouble getting into our offense.”
Brown was happy her team made it to the finals and hopes to build off the appearance. “I told them to be proud,” said Brown. “They’re setting the tone for the program and to be proud of how we finished the year.”
Fulmer was happy he could carry on Paris’ winning tradition with a state title.
“It feels great,” said Fulmer. “This is the first time [for me] to be in these shoes as head coach. My feeling is for these seniors. I knew how bad they wanted it. The last two years, we’ve been put out by Baptist Prep (which won the 3A title the past two seasons) and they kept us from coming here. This might have been the first group to come through here and not get a ring. We have that tradition still going.”
Cover photo by Joshua Gao
