By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Lady Pioneers beat Bulldogs in five sets
DSC_7756.jpg
Before the WCHS varsity took care of business against Smyrna, the Lady Pioneer freshmen and JV also battled hard against the Bulldogs. Pictured is freshman Makenzie Hullett serving in Monday's matchup. - photo by Jeffery Simmons

When a new schedule with new district foes was announced before the fall, the Lady Pioneers knew it wasn’t going to lend many favors. The WCHS volleyball team has had to learn tough lessons against top-tier competition, but it may have been the perfect teacher for the postseason.

Warren County is hoping to surge into the district tournament in October and started its push Monday at home. The Lady Pioneers were able to win a five-set thriller against Smyrna, earning their third District 7-AAA victory along the way. Warren County outlasted the Bulldogs 25-23, 14-25, 25-17, 22-25 and 15-8.

“There were so many momentum shifts in the match but the girls never gave up and they believed they could win,” said coach Erin Blalock. “It took a little longer than we wanted, but they found it inside of them to dig deep. It’s so fun to watch them play big and execute the way they can.”

The Lady Pioneers looked like they were going to cruise to a four-set victory until Smyrna changed the match. The Bulldogs, with their backs against the wall, barged back into the match by winning the fourth set, leading to a gut-check moment for Warren County at home.

“The fourth set saw us having a seven-point lead and then losing focus and messing around to lose the set. The girls really dug down and decided they wanted to win,” said Blalock.

Kennedi Pegg was a big key in the win, finishing with a team-high 12 assists and also adding 11 digs, five kills and an ace. Backrow defense was also important as Hope Gilley (24 digs), Lola Wells (20 digs) and Lilly Cantrell (18 digs) led the way.

Sophomore Samantha Saldana continued to be a game changer in the middle, finished with four of her team’s nine blocks. Allyson Blalock led the way offensively with eight kills, followed by Jae Stovall and Aleah Davis with seven each.

Warren County went to LaVergne Tuesday in hopes of keeping its momentum in district matchups. The match wasn’t completed at press time. The Lady Pioneers will celebrate senior night Thursday before a game with Cannon County.

Action is set to start at 5 p.m. with a JV game. The senior ceremony will take place before the varsity game at 6 p.m.