HOT SPRINGS — A change in class and opponent after coming up short in consecutive seasons on the biggest stage, Shiloh Christian is back on top for the first time since 2017.
After losing the last two years to Brookland in the Class 4A state final, the Lady Saints (34-4-1) brought home the Class 5A state championship with a 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-19, 25-21) over the Greenbrier Lady Panthers (24-11) at Bank OZK Arena.
“One thing, I’m really happy is we don’t have to play Brookland again. Nancy (Rodriguez) has my number. They are amazing group,” said Shiloh Christian head coach Nathan Bodenstein. “They don’t worry who is on the other side of the net. I told them when you dictate the pace, no one can play with you.”
Libero Bella Bonanno was named Most Valuable Player after collecting 22 digs. Audrey Pender had 15 kills and 4 blocks. Chloe Blessing had 11 kills and 6 digs. Laila Creighton had 28 assists and 9 digs.
The first set featured four ties, the last one 7-7 before Shiloh took control going on a 9-1 run with Pender contributing two aces and one kill. The second set featured seven ties with the last one being 16-16 before Shiloh went on a 9-3 run as Pender contributed four kills, while Blessing had two in that stretch.
“When I hugged Pender, I said she is the most ultimate competitor I’ve ever coached. Last final, she did not have a great game. They did not have an answer for her. Her attitude is give me the ball. At one time, she got mad at the other team,” said Bodenstein.
Served by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
In the final set, Greenbrier got off to 10-4 lead before Shiloh came back to lead 14-13. After both teams were tied 18-18, Shiloh pushed the lead to 22-18 before Greenbrier closed to 22-21 thanks to three errors by Shiloh Christian. The match was secured when Marlie Crossman’s attack was long and Mia Southall’s attack was side.
Despite Greenbrier getting off to the big lead, Bodenstein was determined to let his team play through and not call a timeout.
“In my mind, I said one more (point). In my mind I don’t want to call timeout. It gets my blood boiling when I have to,” said Bodenstein. “It was uphill battle. I have a lot of trust in them and they’re not going to freak out.”
Greenbrier was led by Madison Crum, who had 12 kills and 15 digs. Lily Parker had 19 assists and 4 digs. Jacy Mobley had 15 digs.
For Greenbrier head coach Katie Huff, she was disappointed in the loss, but proud of the fact, her team which won five games a year ago, won the 5A-Central at 16-0 and made it to the final with victories over Lake Hamilton, Farmington and two-time defending state champion Benton.
“That’s a good team,” said Huff. “We’re happy to be here. I’m so proud of them. We won five games last year, two conference games. To be here is incredible. There are so many coaches who coach for a long time and don’t get here.
“We knew it was going to be tough. I wish we fought a little harder. We were a little nervous. They have kids on the floor who’ve played in state championship.
“At the start of the week, it was everyone do your job and have fun. They never gave up and didn’t play scared or who cared who was on the other side of the net. They have excellent hitters and we couldn’t stop them.”
Bodenstein said this a championship he’ll cherish for a long time.
“(Hot Springs Lakeside coach) Rhonda Thigpen texted me yesterday and she said over the summer, you told me you expected to be state champions in 5A and here you are and getting ready to play in the finals,” said Bodenstein.
“I’ve never had a group like this. They are so calm and so level all the time and it starts with our leaders. It starts with experienced setter and libero. They’re so special. We’ve got plenty of pieces. They’re a group I’ve never had before.”
Cover photo by Joshua Gao
