Coverage presented by Arkansas Select Volleyball.

4A

All year long, Class 4A proved to be wide open as three different teams — Baptist Prep, Pottsville and Jonesboro Westside — were ranked No. 1

The unpredictability carried over into postseason when Baptist Prep, which won the 4A-5 Conference, ended up as No. 3 seed for the South Regional Tournament in Magnolia.

On Saturday, Pulaski Academy and Jonesboro Westside, two teams that were ranked sixth and ninth in the preseason rankings, ended up playing for the title with Pulaski Academy winning 3-2.

Baptist Prep, which preseason No. 1, finishes third. Brookland, which was preseason No. 3 after winning the past three 4A titles, finishes No. 4.

1. PULASKI ACADEMY (22-7)

Previous rank: No. 3

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: def. Wynne 3-2; def. No. 4 Baptist Prep 3-2; def. No. 1 Jonesboro Westside 3-2

“I think it’s really big for the school, they’ve never won it. The girls worked hard for it and that was their goal.” — Pulaski Academy head coach Jason Lambert

2. JONESBORO WESTSIDE (28-4-2)

Previous rank: No. 1

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: def. No. 6 Mena 3-0; def. No. 7 Brookland 3-1; lost 3-2 to No. 3 Pulaski Academy Saturday

“They gave me so much more than they ever before. I know without certainly, they poured into more than they ever had before. They played lights out.” — Jonesboro Westside head coach Cody Zeigler

3. BAPTIST PREP (25-14)

Previous rank: No. 4

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: def. Pocahontas 3-0; def. No. 2 Pottsville 3-0; lost 3-2 to No. 3 Pulaski Academy

“I am so proud of my girls. PA is a great team. They were actually the team I was most afraid of all season because I knew they had so much talent. We fought and we never gave up. I love those PA girls and their coaches. Jason is amazing and he has done a great job with his team the past two seasons.

“I will take my girls to battle any day. Today was just not our day. At the end of the day it’s just a game and the memories we have made are what will last forever. God had blessed me with great kids and I couldn’t be more thankful for all of them.

“I trust that He is at work in their lives and that He will use it for their good one day!!  It also gives us a platform to share who we play for. Our “why” to get God the glory He deserves.” — Baptist Prep head coach Krista Spoon

4. BROOKLAND (21-14-1)

Previous rank: No. 7

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: def. No. 10 Clarksville 3-1; def. No. 5 Bauxite  3-1; vs. No. 1 Jonesboro Westside

After losing five starters, including two of the last state tournament MVPs, the Lady Bearcats overcame a slow start against a tough schedule and advanced to the semifinals under first year head coach Katie Dillon.

“I am so proud of my girls. They fought and battled until the end.” — Brookland head coach Katie Dillon.

5. MENA (24-10)

Previous rank: No. 6

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: def. No. 8 Huntsville 3-2; lost 3-0 to No. 1 Jonesboro Westside

“I was extremely proud of how hard my girls fought each set. They played every match with so much heart and grit. I couldn’t have asked for anything more out of them.  We had a wonderful season that they fought through tons of adversity, and never backed down.” — Mena head coach Heather Goss

6. BAUXITE (22-11-3)

Previous rank: No. 5

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: lost 3-1 to No. 7 Brookland

‘Words truly don’t describe this team! I am so proud of the finish they had. While it wasn’t where we wanted to finish our season at, it was a huge accomplishment for this team and program. They made program history at Bauxite making it to the quarterfinals in the state tournament. They never stopped fighting through the game, and they gave it all they had. As a first year coach, I am pleased and happy with the overall success this season brought.” — Bauxite head coach Haley Nelson

7. POTTSVILLE (25-6-3)

Previous rank: No. 2

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: lost 3-0 to No. 4 Baptist Prep

“It was a tough one. We felt confident that we could be there in the end but I don’t think we played to our potential especially not having played in six days. That first game of state is always a little tense and I think Baptist is a great team and they got a game under their belt on Monday and got to build momentum going into the game with us. Volleyball is a big momentum game and today Baptist had it. Wish it could have been someone different we played the first match but post season is crazy and we got them.

Proud of my kids for a strong year and doing great things. Flattered to be considered a top team and I think we were, just not today. Maybe one day that momentum will be in our favor at the right time. We made some good memories and we will keep fighting to be a state competitor.” — Pottsville head coach Kacie Stabler

8. HUNTSVILLE (20-6-1)

Previous rank: No. 7

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: lost 3-2 to No. 6 Mena

“I was extremely proud of my girls and their ability to never give up. After getting out to a slow start and losing the first two sets, instead of accepting defeat, they made the necessary changes to win the third and fourth set. Going into the fifth we were confident in the changes we made and we fought to the very last point but unfortunately came up a little short. Mena is a great team and both teams played extremely hard!” — Huntsville head coach Kasey Gosvener

9. CLARKSVILLE (19-11–2)

Previous rank: No. 10

Last week: Class 4A state tournament at Wynne: lost 3-1 to No. 7 Brookland

“I am proud of my team for their first trip to the state tournament in 24 years and for the fight they showed against a very solid three-time defending state champion,  Brookland team.  I was especially impressed with senior Addison Harkreader’s efforts at the middle position. I think by far it was her best performance of the year. I honestly couldn’t be more proud of the kids.   I look forward to fighting for a return trip next season.” — Clarksville head coach Wesley Davis

10. WYNNE (16-15-1)

Previous rank: Not ranked

Last week: def. No. 10 Morrilton 3-2; lost 3-1 to No. 3 Pulaski Academy 3-1

“As I reflect on my first year at Wynne as their Head Coach, I am extremely proud of the effort and resilience our team displayed throughout the state tournament. We graduated a couple of key seniors last year who were integral to both our defense and offense, and while their presence was missed, several of our returning players rose to the challenge and embraced larger roles within the team.

“In the opening round, we faced Morrilton and found ourselves down two sets before responding with exceptional determination and composure to come back and win the match. In the quarterfinals against a talented and physically imposing Pulaski Academy team, we continued to compete at a high level — taking a set and pushing every set to be highly competitive.

“Having the opportunity to play in front of our home crowd was an unforgettable experience. The support and energy from our community were tremendous, and we are incredibly grateful for the way they showed up for our team.

“Although our run came to an end in the quarterfinals, there were many positives to take away. With the core of our roster returning next season, we are confident that this experience will serve as a foundation for continued growth and success as we look to make another strong postseason run next year.” — Wynne head coach Shatel Gaines

DROPPED OUT

No. 10 Morrilton

3A

All year, Episcopal Collegiate, Mansfield and Paris took turns holding down the No. 1 ranking in Class 3A.

Two of the three made it to the semifinals. In the end, Mansfield, which opened the season at No. 7, gradually moved up to No. 1 before dropping to No. 2 with a 3-1 loss to Paris in the regional final. The Lady Tigers rebounded and ended up as the 3A state champion with a 3-1 victory over No. 3 Harding Academy.

Episcopal Collegiate finishes at No. 3. Paris,, which entered the state tournament ranked No. 1, fell to fifth after a quarterfinal loss to Haskell Harmony Grove.

1. MANSFIELD (33-6)

Previous rank: No. 2

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. No. 10 Central Arkansas Christian 3-1; def. No. 7 Harrisburg 3-1; def. No. 4 Episcopal Collegiate 3-1; def. No. 3 Harding Academy 3-1

“Everyone doubted us because we always won 2A and now we wanted to put up a 3A banner because it hadn’t been done since I was in school.” — Mansfield head coach Kaylie Pyles

2. HARDING ACADEMY (21-5)

Previous rank: No. 3

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. No. 9 Lavaca 3-1; def. No. 5 Haskell Harmony Grove 3-; lost to No. 2 Mansfield 3-1

“These kids have been awesome all year, showed a lot of battle in that third set and fourth set. It hurts when you have seven seniors. It’s going to take a while to swallow it, but I couldn’t be prouder of this group.” — Harding Academy head coach Matt Francis

3. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE (19-10)

Previous rank: No. 4

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. No. 6 Mayflower 3-1; lost 3-1 to No. 2 Mansfield Thursday

“It was a really tough match. Both teams fought really hard we just couldn’t seem to take care of the ball in crucial moments. We would have strides of being ahead and we let them come back in by five or six points. It’s hard to play catch up. But Mansfield is a really good team and it was a dogfight. That match could have gone anyway and I’m proud of the way we competed and played together as a team.” — Episcopal Collegiate head coach Paige Gantar

4. HASKELL HARMONY GROVE (31-6-2)

Previous rank: No. 5

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. Bergman 3-0; def. No. 1 Paris 3-2; vs. No. 3 Harding Academy Thursday

Lady Cardinals win 3A-6 Conference, finish third in the South Regional and reach the semifinals.

5. PARIS (21-10-1)

Previous rank: No. 1

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: lost 3-2 to No. 5 Haskell Harmony Grove Tuesday

“Very tough loss for us. We thought that we had a really good chance to win it all again this year, and it is very disappointing that we did not get it done. This year’s  3A state bracket is very balanced with several really good teams. It was a very tough five-set match and Harmony Grove came out on top. I am very proud of our team and of the accomplishments that we had this season.” — Paris head coach Jerry Fulmer

6. MAYFLOWER (20-12-1)

Previous rank: No. 6

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. No. 8 Crowley’s Ridge Academy 3-0; lost 3-1 to No. 4 Episcopal Collegiate

“While we are disappointed in tonight’s result, this team accomplished some special honors. This team was the first team in Mayflower history to win our conference. We got to see Miranda Leslie lead the state in digs for the third year in a row. She also was very high up in aces.  She was a leader who will have influenced so many people to become leaders themselves. We got to see Lydia Matthews get her 1,000th kill this season and one of the team leaders and helped develop younger players. Chloe Whittington got her 1,000th assist also and did a great job managing every match. Junior Jordan Fusilier did a tremendous job of filling an outside role and helping defensively. Other seniors like Tori Malone, Sophie French, and Bre Harris helped take the team to new heights. Best of all, these kids are high character kids. This is the kind of team that you want to coach.” — Mayflower head coach Monty Smith

7. HARRISBURG (21-13-2)

Previous rank: No. 8

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: lost 3-1 to No. 2 Mansfield

The Hornets win conference and regional tournaments before falling to Mansfield in the quarterfinals. Cassie Carlson provided a lot of highlights and will be missed.

8. LAVACA (17-13)

Previous rank: No. 9

This week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: def. Flippin 3-0; lost 3-1 to No. 3 Harding Academy

“We are incredibly proud of the effort and heart our team showed at the 3A State Volleyball Tournament. Coming in as the 4-seed from regionals, we were able to secure a great win over Flippin in four intense sets. In the second round against a formidable Harding Academy team, our girls proved they belonged by taking the first set and competing fiercely before falling 1-3. They competed with immense pride, and their performance truly represents the best of Lavaca Volleyball. They left everything on the court, and that competitive spirit is the real highlight of our season.” — Lavaca head coach Shannon Todaro

9. CROWLEY’S RIDGE ACADEMY (19-8)

Previous rank: No. 8

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: lost 3-0 to No. 6 Mayflower

“It did, give it to Mayflower, they were very tough tonight and didn’t give us many opportunities to get into a flow and we didn’t give us a lot of opportunities. The serves were not where we wanted it and the in-system volleyball we like to play, we couldn’t get into that. Hats off to Mayflower, they took it to us. The atmosphere, the big dance, you have to rise to the occasion and it wasn’t our day today.” — Crowley’s Ridge Academy head coach Royce McMillon

10. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN (16-14-1)

Previous rank: No. 10

Last week: Class 3A state tournament at Central Arkansas Christian: lost 3-1 to No. 2 Mansfield

“I thought we played well at times and made them earn it. Not the way we wanted the season to end. We had a lot of pressure on us.” — Central Arkansas Christian head coach Lynn Brown

2A

Hackett defended its Class 2A title with a 3-0 victory over Taylor and was the only school to go wire to wire as the No. 1 team in its class.

Taylor, which opened the season ranked fourth, finishes second after reaching the state finals. Conway St. Joseph opened the season third and finished fifth after a 3-2 loss to Ozark Catholic in the state quarterfinals. England, which was preseason No. 2, finishes out of the rankings, after a 3-1 loss to Quitman in the first round.

1. HACKETT (28-5-2)

Previous rank: No. 1

Last week: Class 2A state tournament at Piggott: def. Magnet Cove 3-0; def. Ozark Catholic 3-2; def. No. 3 Taylor 3-0

“Mission accomplished. This is a nice little group. These girls have been fantastic and battled through many games and different situations to get here and they finished it.” — Hackett head coach Bridget Freeman

2. TAYLOR (28-4-1)

Previous rank: No. 2

Last week: Class 2A state tournament at Piggott: def. Piggott 3-1; def. No. 4 Cotter 3-1; lost 3-0 to No. 1 Hackett Saturday

“To be here is an honor. We have a lot of baseball and softball trophies and this appearance is the first one for volleyball.” — Taylor head coach Courtney McHenry

3. COTTER (20-1)

Previous rank: No. 5

Last week: Class 2A state tournament at Piggott: def. Quitman 3-2; lost 3-1 to No. 3 Taylor

In their final victory, Myah McNutt had 14 kills, 13 blocks and 10 digs; Riley Brotherton had 30 digs; Kenna Collins had 24 digs, 15 kills and 7 blocks; Gracyn Jackson had 20 digs and 5 aces and Regan Cowart had 35 assists and 22 digs.

4. OZARK CATHOLIC (15-9)

Previous rank: Not ranked

Last week: Class 2A state tournament at Piggott: def. Marshall 3-0; def. No. 3 Conway St. Joseph 3-2; lost 3-0 to No. 1 Hackett

“The team never gave up no matter the odds or the opponent. They were having fun and played well. Their energy level was contagious. So proud of the team!” — Ozark Catholic head coach Peggy Estes

5. CONWAY ST. JOSEPH (26-5)

Previous rank: No. 3

Last week: Class 2A state tournament at Piggott: lost 3-2 to Ozark Catholic

“Disappointing end to a great year. We didn’t play terribly and give Ozark Catholic credit, they made us make a lot of mistakes, but we didn’t play like a 1 seed team should have. Hollie Morgan, our libero is my only senior but she has left some major boots to fill! We are going to miss her leadership and play!” — Conway St. Joseph head coach Luke Davis

DROPPED OUT

No. 5 Quitman