It’s always nerve-wracking when a program starts a season off with a new head coach. Are they going to implement all new plays? Are they going to have what it takes to continue building and bettering the program? Those are just a few questions on a player’s mind during this transition. Fortunately for the Waldron Sr High Lady Bulldogs, they scored the volleyball jackpot. After having great success last year under Coach Toby Hollin, who took the girls to the second round of State after finishing third in conference, new head coach, Hannah Scantling is picking up right where last year’s Sr Lady Bulldogs left off.
Coach Scantling along with Coach Bailey Moore, has spent many many hours over the summer making sure the girls were in tip-top shape and fully prepared for what the upcoming season had to offer. And so far, its paid off victoriously. This past week, the Sr Lady Bulldogs took on two very well-coached volleyball teams in 3A conference play. On August, 25, Waldron hosted the Booneville Lady Bearcats and after a close scoring and physical face-off, the Lady Bulldogs walked away unbeaten 3-1. “Our Senior High got off to a great start this week,” Coach Scantling excitedly stated. “I am so incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these girls have put in!” Leading in the “kills” department was senior, Rheagan Sanford. Senior, Karissa Johnston was all about that “ace”. And hosting the “block” party was junior, Molly Richmond.
For their second conference game, Waldron took to West Fork in hopes of conquering the Lady Tigers den. After close sets of 25-16, 25-8, and 25-22, the Lady Bulldogs were over the moon about their 3-0 win. Taking the head “kill”er top-shot award was Rheagan Sanford. Jessica Ozuna led with her hand of “ace” high royal flush. And leaving fans in “Block”-n-Awe was Molly Richmond.
“I’m so proud of the Senior High team! Although the girls came out a little flat in the first set against Booneville, they quickly realized that we had to find that momentum we have been talking about for the past few weeks in practice. Once they found it though, they never looked back. Their winning attitude carried over to Thursday’s game at West Fork. After Tuesday’s game, we really set our focus on defense and blocking in practice and I could really tell a difference at West Fork.”
“Molly Richmond has been working hard on getting her timing down and she had a big block game at West Fork. My front line has been doing a really good job as well at being versatile and finding holes in the defense. I’m excited for this upcoming week as we get ready to travel to Mansfield on Monday, August 31, and then turn around on Tuesday, September 1, to host the Elkins Lady Elks for Senior Night.”
Photo courtesy of Ellen Barnett
