Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
4A
There is a new team at No. 1 as the Jonesboro Westside Lady Warriors take over the top spot after Baptist Prep lost two of three matches this week and are waiting to see if setter Olivia Miller is available after undergoing an MRI on her knee.
The Lady Warriors have lost three matches to quality foes: Class 2A Hackett, 5A Little Rock Christian Academy and 6A Cabot.
1. JONESBORO WESTSIDE (23-3-2)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: def. Blytheville 3-0; def. Brookland 3-1
This week: 4A-East Regional at Brookland: vs. Little Rock Hall Monday
“I’m very proud of my girls. They stayed confident and level headed. It’s a great way to enter the post season. We’re looking to build on tonight and take it one game at a time from this point forward. I’m very excited to see what this group accomplishes.” — Jonesboro Westside head coach Codie Zeigler
2. POTTSVILLE (21-5-3)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: def. Heber Springs 3-0; def. Morrilton 3-2
This week: 4A-North Regional at Gravette: vs. Berryville
Lady Apaches have displayed consistency all year against a tough schedule.
“I’m really proud of my kids for finishing out their conference season undefeated. Going in as the number one seed is always good but we know we have to take care of the first match in order to extend our season into state. It’s that time of the year that crazy things can happen so we are focusing on one game at a time.” — Pottsville head coach Kacie Stabler
3. BAPTIST PREP (21-12)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: lost 3-2 to Mount St. Mary; def. Joe T. Robinson 3-0; lost 3-0 Bauxite
This week: 4A-South Regional at Magnolia: vs. Arkadelphia Monday
Lady Eagles were without setter Olivia Miller in loss to Bauxite. Had MRI on her knee earlier in the day. Her status for the regional tournament is up in the air.
“Bauxite is a great team. Not taking anything away from them, but we lost our setter two days ago. We played three different rotations to see what is the best one for next week. I would have loved to come in and beat them, but I was happy to come in and play three close sets and go back and figure things out for next week. We were happy to come in and get some good reps with the people we have. My goal was to figure out what things would look like if we don’t get our setter is back. I don’t have any complaints. We’re going to figure it out and go for it.” — Baptist Prep head coach Krista Spoon.
4. BAUXITE (20-9-3)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. England 3-0; def. LISA Academy 3-0; def. Baptist Prep 3-0
This week: 4A-South Regional at Magnolia: vs. Fountain Lake Monday
Lady Miners might be No. 3 seed in the regional tournament, but bring momentum and experience against a tough schedule.
“That’s a huge win for us. These girls deserve every bit of it and we’ve been working towards this moment all week. I felt they were ready and know what was stake and showed up. Asa (Perry) is phenomenal and one of the best players in her age division in the state of Arkansas. Riley Ferrell was great at the net. We ended our regular season on a huge win and I know they feel good going into Monday at Magnolia against Fountain Lake. Our non-conference schedule, I really had them prepared for games like this and that’s wall we needed. We haven’t hit our peak yet.” — Bauxite head coach Haley Nelson
5. MENA (22-7)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Magnolia 3-1; def. Malvern 3-1
This week: 4A-South Regional at Magnolia: vs. Joe T. Robinson Monday
Chloe Hopper had 80 assists in both matches this week. Makenna Lee had 30 kills. Madi Fowler had 17 kills vs. Magnolia and Alaina Gilbert had 10 kills vs. Malvern
6. PULASKI ACADEMY (16-7)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: def. Mills 3-0; def. LISA Academy West 3-0
This week: 4A-South Regional at Magnolia: vs. Malvern Monday
Lady Bruins looking to earn their state-tournament ticket this week.
7. HUNTSVILLE (18-3-1)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: 4A-1 Conference Tournament at Berryville: def. Gravette 3-2; def. No. 9 Prairie Grove 3-2
This week: 4A-North Regional at Gravette: vs. Ozark Monday
Kristyn Miller had 13 kills vs. Gravette. Katie Bertrand had 29 of her team’s 94 digs in that match as six players at least 10 digs. Kalli Bollinger had 37 assists in the victory.
8. BROOKLAND (17-13-1)
Previous rank: No. 7
Last week: def. Trumann 3-0; lost 3-1 to Jonesboro Westside
This week: 4A-East Regional at Brookland: vs. Lonoke Monday
Unlike the past four years, the Lady Bearcats are entering postseason as an underdog.
“I like where we’re at going into regionals. We’re playing at a good level across the board.” — Brookland head coach Katie Dillon
9. PRAIRIE GROVE (20-6-1)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: 4A-1 Conference Tournament vs. Berryville: def. Green Forest 3-0; def. Berryville 3-0; lost 3-2 to No. 8 Huntsville Thursday
This week: 4A-North Regional at Gravette: vs. Morrilton Monday
Avery Mann had 79 assists and 43 digs in the conference tournament. Ivey Sparkman hd 39 digs. Emmerson Ruley had 48 digs and 13 kills. Kaydence Jinks had 45 digs and 25 kills.
10. CLARKSVILLE (17-9–2)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: def. Clinton 3-0; def. Ozark 3-0
This week: 4A-North Regional at Gravette: vs. Gravette Monday
Lady Panthers try to knock out the home team in the regional tournament.
3A
Several changes in Class 3A as Harding Academy knocked off Episcopal Collegiate to move from No. 3 to No. 2, avenging two regular-season losses to the Lady Wildcats.
Harrisburg move up two spots from No. 10 to No. 8 after beating Crowley’s Ridge Academy to win the 3A-3 Conference Tournament.
Paris knocked off Mayflower 3-2 (25-22, 24-26, 17-25, 28-26, 25-11) for the 3A-5 Conference Tournament in one of the best matches of the year.
1. MANSFIELD (27-6)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: 3A-1 Conference Tournament at Charleston: def. Thaden 3-0; def. Lavaca 3-0
This week: 3A-North Regional at Lincoln: vs. Dover Monday
“We have been getting better each week. These girls are determined to keep working to be the best in every game they play. We won both games at district 3-0. I’m happy with how we are playing going into regionals.” — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Andrews
2. HARDING ACADEMY (16-4)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: 3A-4 Conference Tournament at Harding Academy: def. No. 7 Central Arkansas Christian 3-2; def. No. 2 Episcopal Collegiate 3-0
This week: 3A-South Regional at Harding Academy: vs. Ashdown Monday
“This was our third time this season to play them (Episcopal) and so we are both very familiar with each other and we made some adjustments to begin the match that allowed us to put our best defense in front of us and set us up for success. Each set was very tight and competitive and each time we faced any adversity we were able to fight and score some big points and show up in those moments that really helped us push to the finish line. Episcopal is a great team and Coach Gantar does a great job putting them in positions to win and even when they made changes throughout the match we just continued to compete and battle.” — Harding Academy head coach Matthew Francis
3. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE (16-8)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: 3A-4 Conference Tournament at Harding Academy: def. Maumelle Charter 3-0; lost 3-0 to No. 3 Harding Academy
This week: 3A-South Regional at Harding Academy: vs. Jessieville Monday
Lady Wildcats looking to rebound after a loss in the finals of the conference tournament.
“We beat ourselves against Harding Academy. We errored more than we have all season and all of my starters took their fair share of making mistakes and we just couldn’t finish. We have swept them twice already so having to play them again isn’t ideal. it’s hard to beat a team three times! We will reset for regionals and come back with more fire for that and state.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar
4. PARIS (19-9-1)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: 3A-5 Conference Tournament at Dover: def. No. 8 Conway Christian 3-0; def. Mayflower 3-2
This week: 3A-North Regional at Lincoln: vs. Providence Academy Monday
Lady Lions refuse to lose.
“Wow, we somehow pulled off the win is what I thought right as the game ended. The first two and a half sets were very close with us winning set one (25-22) by scoring the last 6 points of the set. Then they won set 2 (24-26). In set 3 they were up 17-14, but then scored 6 points in a row to take control and win set 3 (25-17). Then in the must have set four, it stayed close and felt like a battle. It was 24-24 and then they went up 25-24, so you can imagine the tension, but we hung on and won set 4 (28-26). Set 5 we had a great start going up 7-1, but then fell behind 9-7. So again they had the momentum, but somehow, we ended up winning (15-11). I felt like both teams played very hard and both teams competed very well. Ashton Ihle was very solid for us but it really took a complete team effort to get the win.” — Paris head coach Jerry Fulmer on winning the 3A-5 Conference Tournament
5. HASKELL HARMONY GROVE (27-5-2)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: def. Ashdown 3-0; def. Fountain Lake 3-0; def. Smackover 3-0
This week: 3A-South Regional at Harding Academy: vs. Maumelle Charter Monday
Leelana Kennach had 80 assists and 8 digs in all three victories while Jaycee Bossert had 2 aces, 30 kills with a .436 hitting pct., 4 blocks and 5 digs. Brittyn Brown had 4 aces and 33 digs. Preslie Walker had 10 aces, 32 kills with a .424 hitting pct., and 12 digs.
6. MAYFLOWER (17-10-1)
Previous rank: No. 6
Last week: 3A-5 Conference Tournament at Dover: def. Dover 3-1; lost 3-2 to No. 4 Paris
This week; 3A-North Regional at Lincoln: vs. Thaden Monday
Lady Eagles try to shake away disappointment of losing the conference tournament.
“Tonight was a great match. Both teams fought hard, and it was a state championship atmosphere. I’m disappointed we lost, but proud of the effort. Miranda Leslie had maybe the best game of her career, and she has a great career. Lydia Matthews was unbelievable. Chloe Whittington did a great job setting and Jordan Fusilier and Sophie French had great games as well. We are looking forward to the regional tournament and while we lost tonight, it made us a better team.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith on the loss to Paris in the conference tournament.
7. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN (15-11-1)
Previous rank: No. 7
Last week: 4A-5 Conference Tournament at Harding Academy: def. Bald Knob 3-0; lost 3-2 to No. 3 Harding Academy; def. Maumelle Charter 3-0
This week: 3A-South Regional at Harding Academy: vs. Cossatot River Monday
Lady Mustangs looking to regain last year’s consistency.
8. HARRISBURG (18-12-2)
Previous rank: No. 10
Last week: 3A-3 Conference Tournament at Crowley’s Ridge Academy: def. Hoxie 3-1; def. No. 9 Crowley’s Ridge Academy 3-0
This week: 3A-East Regional at Hoxie: vs. Melbourne Monday
Lady Hornets have battled injuries and tough schedule. A conference tournament title couldn’t come at a better time.
“It’s always special to beat great teams on their home court. To win 3–0, with every set tight, and still pull each one out—that’s something to be proud of. Tonight we learned how to grind for points, to keep them on their heels, and to stay alive for the next ball. And when the opportunity came, we finished—terminated.” — Harrisburg head coach Derek Falls on winning the district title over Crowley’s Ridge Academy.
9. CONWAY CHRISTIAN (18-11)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: def. Conway St. Joseph 3-0; 3A-5 Conference Tournament at Dover: def. Booneville 3-0; lost 3-0 to No. 4 Paris; def. Dover 3-1
This week: 3A-North Regional at Lincoln: vs. Lavaca Monday
Lady Eagles get a tough matchup in the first round of the regional tournament in Lavaca.
10. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY (17-6)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: 3A-3 Conference Tournament at Crowley’s Ridge Academy def. Walnut Ridge 3-0; lost to No. 10 Harrisburg 3-0
This week: 3A-East Regional at Hoxie: vs. Cave City Monday
Crowley’s Ridge looking to extend season.
“Harrisburg played clean volleyball tonight. They did make mistakes but not a lot. Their serve and receive play was just a little better all night and the scores showed. We played hard and had some girls step up and make some tough digs and hustle plays. I’m still super proud of our effort tonight and where we are as a team at this point. Excited to see how far these young ladies can go.” — Crowley’s Ridge Academy head coach Royce McMillon
2A
No surprises in Class 2A as Hackett, Taylor, Conway St. Joseph and Cotter won conference tournaments to earn No. 1 seeds in their regional tournaments.
England fell from No. 4 to No. 5 after falling to Magnet Cove in the semifinals of the 2A-5 Conference Tournament.
1. HACKETT (22-5-2)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: 2A-3 Conference Tournament at Hector: def. Hector 3-0; def. Quitman 3-0
This week: 2A-North Regional at Guy-Perkins: vs. Founders Classical Monday
Lady Hornets win sixth consecutive conference tournament. Michaelyn Freeman had 36 kills in both matches with 7 digs. Catelyn Edwards had 52 assists and 19 digs. Ryleigh Decker had 16 kills and 10 aces.
2. TAYLOR (24-2-1)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: 2A-6 Conference Tournament at Lafayette County: def. Lafayette County 3-0; def. Columbia Christian 3-0
This week: 2A-South Regional at Taylor: vs. Cutter Morning Star Monday
Taylor and Conway St. Joseph on track to meet in the regional finals. Kendall Hamlin had 10 kills and 9 digs against Columbia Christian and Macy Downs had 5 kills and 7 aces in the victory.
3. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH (23-4)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: lost 3-0 to Conway Christian Monday; 2A-5 Conference Tournament at St. Joseph def. Cutter Morning Star 3-0; def. Magnet Cove 3-1
This week: 2A-South Regional at Taylor: vs. Lafayette County Monday
Head coach Luke Davis on crutches after tearing his Achilles. His team rewarded him with a conference tournament championship. Kinley Freyaldenhoven had 26 kills, 33 assists and 14 aces in both matches. Anna Nabholz had 25 kills. Emily Nabholz had 9 kills vs. Cutter Morning Star.
4. COTTER (16-0)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: 2A-2 Conference Tournament at Izard County: def. Izard County 3-0; def. Cedar Ridge 3-0
This week: 2A-East Regional at Cotter: vs. Lee Monday
The only undefeated team in the state in position to clinch a spot in the state tournament. Kenna Collins had 26 kills, 21 digs in both matches. Myah McNutt had 21 kills and 20 digs. Regan Cowart had 53 assists and 38 digs. Riley Brotherton had 40 digs in both matches.
5. ENGLAND (13-5)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: lost 3-0 to Bauxite; 2A-5 Conference Tournament at St. Joseph: lost 3-1 to Magnet Cove; def. Cutter Morning Star Thursday
This week: 2A-South Regional at Taylor: vs. Columbia Christian Monday
Lady Lions looking to rebound after falling to the No. 3 seed in the South Regional.
