Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
4A
Class 4A features some interesting non-conference matches this week.
No. 1 Pottsville will face Class 6A Bryant and Class 5A Little Rock Christian Academy in the Conway Lady Cat Invitational. In that same tournament No. 2 Baptist Prep will meet 6A Fort Smith Southside and 5A Vilonia. No. 3 Jonesboro Westside will face 6A Cabot and 5A Mountain Home. No. 4 Bauxite will 5A Mount St. Mary and 6A Springdale Har-Ber. No. 5 Brookland will face 6A Little Rock Central and 5A Russellville. Pulaski Academy will face 5A Benton and 6A Bentonville West.
On Monday, Westside will face 6A’s Jonesboro for local bragging rights and Brookland will face Marion, the No. 2 team in 5A.
As the season heads down the stretch, teams in 4A are looking to face teams in the higher classes to help them when it comes to regional and state tournament.
1. POTTSVILLE (13-3-3)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: def. Morrilton 3-1; def. Clinton 3-0
This week: at Clarksville Tuesday; vs. Ozark Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational Saturday: vs. Bryant, vs. Little Rock Christian Academy
Ella Drown and Rylee Morris combined for 22 kills, 5 blocks and 5 aces in both matches. Caroline Kennedy had Kylee Mathis combined for 33 assists and 16 digs. Sophie Ussery and Lily Holsted combined for 34 digs vs. Morrilton.
2. BAPTIST PREP (16-8)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: def. Mayflower 3-0; def. Bauxite 3-0; def. No. 6 Pulaski Academy 3-2
This week: at Southside Charter Monday; vs. LISA Academy West. Conway Lady Cat Invitational Saturday: vs. Vilonia, vs. Fort Smith Southside
Lady Eagles knock off 4A-5 challengers to stay in first place.
“PA and Bauxite are both great teams and I am so proud of my girls. This week prepared us for what regionals is going to be like. Going into PA and beating them on their home court was huge for us!!! We graduated some great players last year and to see us compete at the level we are competing at is so exciting. I’m so grateful to every kid in our program. They all have a role and this week they all fulfilled that role and I am just so proud.” — Baptist Prep head coach Krista Spoon
3. JONESBORO WESTSIDE (17-2-2)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Greene County Tech 3-1; def. Highland 3-0
This week: vs. Jonesboro Monday; at Trumann Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational: vs. Cabot, vs. Mountain Home
Warriors meet Hurricane for local bragging rights.
“We played them a couple times in team camps this summer and played them one set in our jamboree at the start of the year. We split with them both times we played them so it should be a good matchup. They’re a great team and I’m looking forward to seeing how my girls compete against them. I love getting to schedule games against tough opponents like Jonesboro because either way it goes, we learn, grow, and it prepares us for the post season.” — Jonesboro Westside head coach Codie Zeigler
4. BROOKLAND (14-8-1)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Paragould 3-0; def. Highland 3-0; def. Blytheville 3-0
This week: vs. Marion Monday; Pocahontas Tuesday; vs. Highland Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational vs. Little Rock Central, vs. Russellville
Lady Bearcats take on No. 2 team in 5A.
“We’re looking forward to it. They’re a great, well-coached team and I’m looking forward to see how my girls handle the matchup.” — Brookland head coach Katie Dillon.
5. MENA (19-6)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: def. Waldron 3-0; def. Arkadelphia 3-0. Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: def. Dover 3-0; def. Conway Christian 3-0. Gold bracket: def. Lavaca 3-1; def. Mansfield 2-0; lost to Paris 2-1
This week: at Fountain Lake Tuesday; vs. Camden Fairview Thursday
“I was very proud of my girls. When we left Lakeside we had three areas we wanted to improve on this week, and I feel like we definitely did that. Our outside hitters stepped up today and this week.” — Mena head coach Heather Goss on finishing runner-up in the Paris Lady Eagle Invitational.
6. BAUXITE (14-5-3)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: def. Smackover 3-0; lost 3-0 to No. 2 Baptist Prep
This week: vs. Pulaski Academy Tuesday; at Mills Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational Saturday: vs. Mount St. Mary, vs. Springdale Har-Ber
Second place in 4A-5 at stake when Bauxite meets Pulaski Academy.
7. PULASKI ACADEMY (10-4)
Previous rank: No. 6
Last week: def. Mills 3-0; def. LISA Academy West 3-0; lost 3-2 to No. 2 Baptist Prep
This week: at Bauxite Tuesday; vs. Joe T. Robinson Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational: vs. Benton, vs. Bentonville West
Lady Bruins battling to stay in second place in 4A-5 Conference and tough competition in higher classes.
8. PRAIRIE GROVE (17-4-1)
Previous rank: No. 6
Last week: def. Gentry 3-0; def. Green Forest 3-0; def. Berryville 3-0
This week: at No. 9 Huntsville Tuesday; vs. Pea Ridge Thursday
First place at state in 4A-1 between Prairie Grove and Huntsville. Avery Mann had 95 assists, 26 digs and 10 kills last week. Emmerson Ruley had 30 digs and 8 kills. Kaydence Jinks had 30 kills, 28 digs and 9 aces.
9. HUNTSVILLE (14-3-1)
Previous rank: No. 10
Last week: def. Gravette 3-1
This week: vs. Prairie Grove Tuesday; at Berryville Thursday
Huntsville looking for revenge after losing 3-1 to Prairie Grove on Sept. 11. Kalli Bolinger had 36 assists and 13 digs vs. Gravette. Katie Bertrand had 21 digs and 4 assists. Emaline Henry had 17 digs, 9 kills and 5 aces and Kristyn Miller had 16 kills, 5 digs, 3 blocks and 2 aces.
10. CLARKSVILLE (14-8–2)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: def. Ozark 3-1; lost 3-1 to Morrilton
This week: vs. Pottsville Tuesday; vs. Heber Springs Thursday
Alex Rodriguez had 44 assists and 23 digs in both matches. Addison Phillips had 52 digs. Analeise Fultz had 26 kills and 37 digs.
3A
Five teams — Mansfield, Conway Christian, Mayflower, Harrisburg and Lavaca — that were ranked in last week’s rankings participated in the Paris Lady Eagle Invitational and at the end of the day, there were some shakeups.
Paris, which opened the season No. 3 and dropped out of the rankings two weeks ago, won its event, knocking off Class 4A Mena 27-25, 22-25, 15-9 in the finals. As a result, Paris is back in the rankings at No. 8 while Lavaca falls out.
Haskell Harmony Grove lost 2-0 (27-25, 25-21) in the finals of the Fountain Lake Tri-Lakes Tournament.
No. 1 Episcopal Collegiate heads to the Conway Lady Cat Invitational where it will meet Class 6A Jonesboro and Shiloh Christian, the defending 5A champion.
1. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE (13-3)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: def. Bald Knob 3-0; def. Riverview 3-0
This week: vs. No. 6 Central Arkansas Christian Monday; at No. 8 Paris Wednesday; at Maumelle Charter Thursday. Conway Lady Cat Invitational Saturday: vs. Jonesboro, vs. Shiloh Christian
Layla Dement had 6 kills vs. Bald Knob and hit .308. Sadie Janes had 4 kills and hit .429. Madison Smith added 5 digs.
2. HARDING ACADEMY (12-4)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: def. Sheridan 3-0; def. Riverview 3-0; def. Maumelle Charter 3-0
This week: vs. Walnut Ridge Monday; at Bald Knob Thursday
Ellie Morgan had 37 kills in 3 matches. Kayson Reeves had 29 kills. Kennedy Lovin had 31 assists and 9 digs vs. Maumelle Charter.
3. MANSFIELD (22-6)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: def. Thaden 3-0; def. West Fork 3-0. Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: lost 2-1 to Morrilton; def. No. 5 Mayflower 2-1. Gold bracket: def. No. 5 Mayflower 2-0; lost 2-0 to Mena.
This week: vs. Booneville Monday; at Lincoln Tuesday; vs. Charleston Thursday
Lady Eagles reached the semifinals of the Paris Lady Eagle Invitational.
“We played in a competitive pool and then saw one of them (Mayflower) again in the first game of the tournament, followed by a very talented Mena team. The girls played great all day, showing lots of hustle and promise for a great post season run. I’m really proud of the way we competed! Now on to the last week of regular season play.” — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Andrews on the Paris Lady Eagle Invitational.
4. CONWAY CHRISTIAN (15-9)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Perryville 3-0; def. Dover 3-0; def. Booneville 3-0. Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: def. Dover 3-0; lost 2-1 to Mena. Gold bracket: def. No. 8 Harrisburg 2-0; lost 2-1 to Paris.
This week: vs. No. 7 Mayflower Monday
Lady Eagles reach semifinals of Paris Lady Eagle Invitational.
5. HASKELL HARMONY GROVE (22-5-2)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: def. Central Arkansas Christian 3-0; def. Magnolia 3-1; def. Camden Harmony Grove 3-0. Fountain Lake Tri-Lakes Tournament: lost 2-0 to Fountain Lake, def. Lonoke 2-0; tied White Hall 1-1. Bracket play: def. Southside Charter 2-0; def. Fountain Lake 2-1; lost 2-0 to Lake Hamilton
This week: at Arkadelphia Monday; at Jessieville Thursday
Lady Cardinals did not have setter Leelana Kennach since Monday because of a concussion she suffered in an auto accident.
“These girls battled line up changes after our CAC game and finished the week strong. Super proud of their grit and commitment to this team.” — Haskell Harmony Grove head coach Bailey Korte
6. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN (12-9-1)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: lost 3-0 to Haskell Harmony Grove; vs. def. Maumelle Charter 3-0
This week: at No. 1 Episcopal Collegiate Monday; vs. Rose Bud Thursday
Kayla Myers had 6 kills, 14 assists, 4 aces, 1 block and 3 digs in a 3-0 victory over Maumelle Charter. Baylee Burnett had 7 kills, with a .429 hitting pct., 1 block and 5 aces. Maddie Phillips had 9 kills while hitting .500, 4 aces, 1 block and 1 assist.
7. MAYFLOWER (15-8-1)
Previous rank: No. 5
This week: lost 3-0 to Baptist Prep; def. Perryville 3-0; Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: def. Morrilton 3-0; lost 2-1 to Mansfield. Gold bracket: lost 2-0 to Mansfield.
This week; at No. 4 Conway Christian Monday; vs. Dover Tuesday
“I thought today we showed a lot of toughness and determination. Last night was our homecoming so you knew they’d be tired. But no one complained and they competed and fought. We won our pool, then lost to a really good Mansfield team. Miranda Leslie provided a lot of energy and had one of the greatest saves you could ever see. Lydia Mathews and Jordan Fusilier provided a lot of offensive firepower and Chloe Whittington did a great job of managing the game on the offensive side.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith on the Paris Lady Eagle Invitational.
8. PARIS (13-9-1)
Previous rank: Not ranked
Last week: def. Atkins 3-0; Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: def. No. 10 Lavaca 2-0; def. Lamar 2-0; tied No. 8 Harrisburg 1-1. Gold bracket: def. Morrilton 2-0; def. No. 5 Conway Christian 2-1; def. Mena 2-1.
This week: at Lamar Tuesday; vs. No. 1 Episcopal Collegiate Wednesday; vs. Perryville Thursday
Lady Eagles have taken their lumps against a tough schedule, but have picked up steam going 8-0-1 over their last nine matches.
9. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY (13-5)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: def. Hoxie 3-0; def. No. 8 Harrisburg 3-2; def. Newport 3-1
This week: at Walnut Ridge Tuesday; at Helena Thursday
Tenley McMillon had 30 kills and 25 digs vs. Harrisburg and Newport. Ryan Gramling had 19 assists and 7 aces those two matches. Kenslee Sheppard had 22 assists in those two matches.
10. HARRISBURG (14-12-2)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: def. Walnut Ridge 3-0; lost 3-2 to No. 9 Crowley’s Ridge Academy; def. Helena 3-0. Paris Lady Eagle Invitational: def. Lamar 2-0; def. No. 10 Lavaca 2-0; tied Paris 1-1. Gold bracket: lost 2-0 to No. 5 Conway Christian
This week: at Wynne Tuesday; vs. Newport Thursday
Cassie Carlson had 54 kills vs. Walnut Ridge, Crowley’s Ridge Academy and Helena and had 20 digs vs. Crowley’s Ridge. Gentry Horner had 18 assists vs. Crowley’s Ridge. CaliJo Heeb had 20 digs vs. Crowley’s Ridge. Brae Faulkner had 36 assists vs. Hoxie and Crowley’s Ridge.
DROPPED OUT
No. 10 Lavaca
2A
No changes in Class 2A as Hackett lost 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-23) to defending 5A state champion Shiloh Christian.
Conway St. Joseph (18-3, 9-0 2A-5) leads England (12-2, 8-1) by one game in the race for the conference title. Both teams play Thursday at England.
1. HACKETT (18-5-2)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: lost 3-0 to Shiloh Christian; def. Southside Bee Branch 3-0; def Pea Ridge 3-0
This week: at Charleston Monday; at Quitman Thursday
“I thought we fought hard and played them very close each set losing 21-25, 23-25 and 23-25. Unfortunately, I think we just could not finish because we did not have our legs under us from the 12 sets against great competition we had just played on Saturday. As always, proud of my girls and our goal remains the same: state finals!” — Hackett head coach Bridgett Freeman on the loss to Shiloh Christian
2. TAYLOR (20-2-1)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: def. Emerson 3-0; def. Mineral Springs 3-0
This week: vs.West Side Christian Tuesday
Kendall Hamlin had 8 kills on 9 attempts and 4 aces in the victory over Mineral Springs. Scarlett Boyett had 5 kills.
3. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH (18-3)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: def. Maumelle Charter 3-1; def. Magnet Cove 3-0
This week: vs. Jacksonville Lighthouse Monday; at England Tuesday
Lady Bulldogs have won 10 in a row.
4. ENGLAND (11-2)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: def. LISA Academy North 3-1; def. Cutter Morning Star 3-0; def. Mountain Pine 3-0
This week: at Magnet Cove Monday; vs. Conway St. Joseph Tuesday
Lady Lions have a chance to tie for 2A-5 Conference title.
5. COTTER (12-0)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Izard County 3-0; def. Alpena 3-0
This week: at Midland Tuesday; vs. Cedar Ridge Thursday
Reagan Cowart had 48 assists and 14 digs in both matches. Riley Brotherton had 13 kills in both matches. Myah McNutt had 21 kills, and Kenan Collins had 20 kills and 12 digs.
