Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.
4A
Pottsville made the biggest statement in the first week of the season when the Lady Apaches knocked off Hackett 3-2, ending the Lady Hornets’ 37-match winning streak.
Class 4A teams took their lumps as seven teams suffered losses, but seven of those losses came to teams in higher classes.
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CLASS 4A
1. BAPTIST PREP (2-1)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: def. No. 5 Pottsville 3-2; lost 3-2 to Hot Springs Lakeside; def. Harding Academy 3-1
This week: vs. Bryant Tuesday; at Episcopal Collegiate, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday: vs. Brookland, vs. Searcy
Lady Eagles getting everyone’s best shot.
2. POTTSVILLE (2-1)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: lost 3-2 to No. 1 Baptist Prep; def. Hackett 3-2; def. Alma 3-2
This week: vs. Russellville, Tuesday; at Episcopal, Sept. 3
Lady Apaches have the season’s first biggest victory by knocking off defending 2A state champion Hackett, ending the Lady Hornets’ 37-match winning streak.
“We had a tough match Monday at Baptist Prep going five sets that was a very high intensity and roller coaster match. We lost that one so I think going into tonight we were very calm and collected. It was fun to pull out a fifth set against a tough team and hopefully it can give us confidence in more tough matches throughout the season. Hackett’s got an incredible outside that challenge us on the front and back row. We definitely kept tabs on her, but on our side of the net we just took care of the little things. Super proud of the girls and what they accomplished in that win.” — Pottsville head coach Kacie Stabler
3. MENA (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: def. Booneville 3-1; def. Clarksville 3-0; def. Lake Hamilton 3-2
This week: vs. Alma, Tuesday; at Waldron, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday (vs. Central Arkansas Christian, vs. Newport, vs. Vilonia)
Lady Bearcats have a big week ahead of them with a showdown in pool play against Central Arkansas Christian at Little Rock Spikefest. Pascha Wistrand had 21 kills, 4 blocks and 3 aces against Lake Hamilton.
4. WYNNE (1-2)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: lost 3-0 to Marion; lost 3-1 to Greene County Tech, def. Stuttgart 3-0
This week: at Harrisburg Tuesday; vs. No. 3 Brookland, Thursday
Lady Yellowjackets lose two Class 5A East opponents. Ella Reed had 32 assists against Greene County Tech and Stuttgart. Lia Bunch had 13 kills vs. Greene County Tech and 8 aces in both matches.
5. PULASKI ACADEMY (1-1)
Previous rank: No. 6
Last week: def. Mount St. Mary 3-0; lost 3-0 to Cabot
This week: vs. Hot Springs Lakeside, Tuesday; vs. Bryant, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikiest, Saturday (vs. Batesville, vs. Maumelle)
Big win over Mount St. Mary highlight of Lady Bruins week.
6. BROOKLAND (0-2)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: lost 3-0 to Jonesboro; lost 3-0 to Valley View Tuesday
This week: vs. Conway Tuesday; at Wynne Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday (vs. Searcy, vs. Baptist Prep)
Young team, tough schedule equals rough start. Schedule doesn’t let up the week. Lynley Seyler had 16 kills and 24 digs in both matches.
7. PRAIRIE GROVE (2-1)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: lost 3-0 to Rogers; def. No. 7 Gravette 3-1; def. Gentry 3-1.
This week: at Green Forest, Thursday
Avery Mann moves to setter and has 87 assists in three matches.
“I knew she would surprise people this season with her ability to run such an effective offense. She filled a role that we needed last year in a six rotation hitter and she was a great player in that role for us last season. But what people don’t know about her is that she’s an even better setter. She has done a phenomenal job so far this season running our offense and taking on that leadership role on the court.” — Prairie Grove head coach Lindsey Biocic.
8. BAUXITE (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 10
Last week: def. Central Arkansas Christian 3-0; def. Malvern 3-0; def. Little Rock Southwest 3-0
This week: vs. Haskell Harmony Grove, Tuesday; at Magnet Cove, Thursday
Lady Miners take down 3A runner-up Central Arkansas Christian. Taylor Lisko had 15 digs in the victory while Asa Perry had 10 kills, 12 assists and 9 digs in the victory.
9. JONESBORO WESTSIDE (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: def. Harrisburg 3-1; def. Manila, 3-0; def. Haskell Harmony Grove 3-2
This week: at Southside Charter, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday
Lady Rebels knock off two ranked Class 3A teams. Kirby Conrad had 42 kills, 11 digs and 3 blocks in the three matches. Kimberly Wynn had 39 digs, 20 kills and 5 aces in three matches.
10. ARKADELPHIA (2-0)
Previous rank: Unranked
Last week: def. Mayflower 3-2, def. Magnet Cove 3-0
This week: vs. Malvern Tuesday, vs. Camden Fairview Thursday
Victory over 3A Mayflower catches people’s attention.
DROPPED OUT
No. 7 Gravette
3A
Volleyball fans should head to Central Arkansas Christian Tuesday night for a match between the top two teams in 3A as defending state runner-up Central Arkansas Christian hosts Episcopal Collegiate.
A year ago, the teams met three times with the Lady Mustangs taking two of them over the Lady Wildcats.
“We look forward to our games with Episcopal each year,” said CAC head coach Lynn Brown. “They are always a solid team that gives us a lot of competition. Our team has been working hard this summer and school year so far on defensive urgency and fast-paced attacks. One of the best ways to refine those strategies is facing a strong team that will give us lots of challenging scenarios, and I know Episcopal will give us that.”
CLASS 3A
1. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE (1-0)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: def. No. 4 Harding Academy 3-0
This week: ; at No. 2 Central Arkansas Christian, Tuesday; vs. Pottsville, Sept. 3; vs. Baptist Prep, Thursday
Huge week as not only do the Lady Wildcats meet Central Arkansas Christian, but they also face the top two teams in 4A.
2. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN (1-1)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: lost 3-0 to Bauxite; def. Sheridan 3-1
This week: vs. No. 1 Episcopal Collegiate Tuesday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday: vs. Vilonia, vs. Newport, vs. Mena
Lady Mustangs overcome season-opening loss to Bauxite with 4-set victory over Sheridan.
3. PARIS (0-1)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: lost 3-1 to Russellville, Tuesday
This week: at Farmington Tuesday; at Van Buren, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday (vs. North Little Rock, vs. Valley View)
Big week for defending 3A champs with matches against two more 5A teams and meeting Valley View in pool play at Spikefest.
4. HARDING ACADEMY (1-2)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: lost 3-0 to No. 1 Episcopal Collegiate, Monday; def. No. 9 Crowley’s Ridge Academy, 3-0; lost 3-1 to Baptist Prep Thursday
This week: at Searcy, Tuesday; vs. Dover, Thursday
Harding not backing down from anyone. Elle Morgan had 14 kills and 12 digs against Baptist Prep while Kayson Reeves had 17 kills and 5 blocks and Kennedy Lovin had 32 assist and 11 digs.
5. HARRISBURG (0-1)
Previous rank: No. 5
Last week: lost 3-1 to Jonesboro Westside, Monday
This week: Wynne, Tuesday; Manila, Thursday; at Little Rock Spikefest, Saturday: vs. Mount St. Mary, vs. Ozark, vs. Greene County Tech)
Harrisburg coach Derek Falls not afraid to schedule up in class against big-time teams. Cassie Carlson had 18 kills and 14 digs vs. Jonesboro Westside while Gentry Horner had 21 digs and Brae Faulker had 38 assists.
6. MAYFLOWER (2-1)
Previous rank: No. 6
Last week: lost 3-2 to Arkadelphia, Monday; def. North Little Rock 3-1; def. Cutter Morning Star, 3-1
This week: at Conway St. Joseph, Sept. 3; at Booneville, Thursday
Miranda Leslie had 50 digs, 14 aces and 8 assists in three matches. Lydia Matthews had 45 kills in three matches.
7. MANSFIELD (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 7
Last week: def. Waldron 3-0; def. Providence Academy 3-0; def. Elkins 3-0
This week: vs. Lavaca, Tuesday; at Thaden, Thursday
Lady Tigers making early-season statement.
8. CONWAY CHRISTIAN (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 8
Last week: def. England 3-0; def. Maumelle Charter 3-0; def. Morrilton 3-0
This week: vs. Clarksville Tuesday; at Quitman, Thursday; at Alma Tri-Match, Saturday (vs. Alma, vs. Pea Ridge)
Hot hitters: Lacee Carver had 8 kills and hit .500 and Jon Embry Lee had 8 kills and hit .412 vs. England. Millie Teague had 19 assists.
9. HASKELL HARMONY GROVE (1-1)
Previous rank: No. 10
Last week: def. Jessieville 3-0; lost 3-2 to Jonesboro Westside
This week: at Bauxite, Tuesday; at Magnolia, Thursday
Lady Cardinals take a five-set loss to Westside.
10. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY (0-1)
Previous rank: No. 9
Last week: lost 3-0 to No. 4 Harding Academy, Tuesday
This week: at Highland, Thursday
Falcons open season with a tough loss vs. Harding Academy.
2A
For the first time since losing the 2023 Class 3A state championship to Baptist Prep, the Hackett Lady Hornets walked off the court in defeat
Pottsville ended Hackett’s 37-match winning streak and the Lady Hornets will continue to face many teams in non-conference action in 4A and 5A as head coach Bridget Freeman continues to challenge her team. This week is a classic case as they will face Siloam Springs and Farmington.
CLASS 2A
1. HACKETT (1-1)
Previous rank: No. 1
Last week: def. Gravette 3-0, lost 3-2 to Pottsville
This week: vs. Magazine, Tuesday; vs. Siloam Springs, Sept. 3; vs. Farmington, Thursday
Lady Hornets’ 37-match winning streak came to an end vs. Lady Apaches. Michaelyn Freeman has 33 kills, 17 digs and 3 blocks in both matches. Catelyn Edwards had 57 assists in both matches.
“I was really proud of the fight in my kids. We had the late night Monday with our match at Gravette and then on the road again tonight to Pottsville. We like to play the tough games to make us better. We seemed a little tired sets one and two, but managed to pull it together for the final three and had a big chance to win but just couldn’t finish. It’s early, we are still figuring out our chemistry, and our goal still remains the same: to be in the finals on Nov 1.” — Hackett head coach Bridget Freeman
2. TAYLOR (6-1)
Previous rank: No. 4
Last week: def. Camden Harmony Grove, 3-0 at Been There, Dug That Tournament in Hooks, Texas: lost 2-1 to Mount Pleasant (Texas); def. Mount Vernon (Texas) 2-0; def. Harts Bluff (Texas) 2-1; def. Texarkana, def. Linden Kildare (Texas); def. Magnolia.
This week: at Lafayette Country, Tuesday
Winning tournament in Texas highlight of opening week for Lady Tigers.
“I was very proud of every girl on our team. It was a full team effort from the bench to the court. We had a few rough patches but we were able to begin putting the pieces together. Our team grew each time we took the court. We love the Hooks tournament because playing tough competition pushes us to learn and grow as a team.” — Taylor head coach Courtney McHenry
3. ENGLAND (2-1)
Previous rank: No. 2
Last week: lost 3-0 to Conway Christian, Monday; def. Scott Charter 3-0; def. Mountain Pine 3-0
This week: vs. Scott Charter, Tuesday; at Jacksonville Lighthouse, Thursday
Lone loss was to 3A contender Conway Christian.
4. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH (3-0)
Previous rank: No. 3
Last week: def. Dover 3-1; def. Atkins 3-1; def. Heber Springs, 3-2
This week: vs. Cutter Morning Star, Tuesday; at Mayflower, Sept. 3; at Mountain Pine, Thursday
Bulldogs take care of business in season’s first week.
5. COTTER (3-0)
Previous rank: Unranked
Last week: def. Yellville Summit 3-0, def. Omaha 3-0, def. Marshall 3-0
This week: vs. Mountain Home Christian Academy Tuesday, at Izard County Thursday
Cotter snaps Marshall’s 13-match conference winning streak. Kenna Collins had 13 kills and 11 digs in the victory while Myah McNutt had 15 kills and Reagan Cowart had 31 assists.
DROPPED OUT
No. 5 Ozark Catholic