The Southern Standard, partnering with R3 Logistics, will be honoring a Pioneer of the Week throughout the year. Our honoree from Sept. 8-14 is WCHS volleyball freshman Leah Mara.

Beating Cookeville in any sport is always a big deal in Warren County. But on the volleyball court, topping the Lady Cavaliers - one of the state's premier program - comes with an extra celebration.

The Lady Pioneers showed they have all the building blocks of a great program last week when the freshman team beat Cookeville at home. Leading the way was setter Leah Mara, who has become an instant success in her first year with the Lady Pioneers.

Mara finished with 13 assists, a team-high three aces and two digs as Warren County took home a victory in a three-set classic. The Lady Pioneers won 25-20, 17-15 and 15-12.

Mara has great chemistry with the team's young hitters - led by Lily Hawkins, Natalie Payne and Brynlee Chisam - and can move seamlessly from the back of the defense to the front of the net to set up big spikes.

"This freshman class has so much potential as they move forward and playing tough competition will only help to grow that potential," said coach Erin Blalock after the Lady Pioneers won the big matchup last week.

The varsity Lady Pioneers have been strong this week, winning back-to-back matchups against Cascade and La Vergne.