COLUMBUS — Caledonia volleyball finds itself in an unprecedented situation.
Coming off the program’s first Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A state title last season, the Cavaliers enter the 2023 season with an unfamiliar target on their backs.
The title of ‘reigning state champions’ has a nice ring to it, both literally and figuratively, but this program wants last season to be the appetizer for what’s to come.
“It’s exciting,” head coach Samantha Brooks said. “All of the girls have worked really hard this summer and we have a focus. We’re excited about it.”
Tuesday night saw the Cavs rebound after losing to East Union in a season-opening tournament in New Albany on Saturday, taking down Heritage Academy in straight sets, 25-5, 25-9, 25-13.
It was a night to empty the bench as Caledonia (3-1-1) was able to get playing time for its starters, plus a number of younger players and second-rotation pieces who will almost certainly be contributors this season.
“Ultimately, we wanted to get everyone some playing time in live game situations,” Brooks said. “We have players that we want to get reps in other positions, trying to make the team more well-rounded and make each player a little more valuable.”
At the same time, these early-season matches are perfect for working out the kinks, working through rotations, and solidifying team chemistry.
Caledonia comes into the season without four key seniors from 2022, but plenty of quality and depth remains for 2023.
Returning are starters Brianna Holliman, Mary Beth Edmondson and Emma McKee, a trio that looks to wreak havoc on opponents.
“We’re all stepping up in playing the role that we should and everyone is doing a good job at that,” Holliman said. “We’re starting to get our setter-hitter connections going and it’s all just working out itself. We’re trusting each other more knowing that our teammates have our back.”
On the other side of the net, Heritage Academy, led by Brooks’s daughter Tori, struggled against Caledonia.
The Patriots (0-2) failed to score more than 13 points in a set, and looked disjointed on the floor, seemingly overwhelmed by a tough opponent like the Cavs.
Just like Caledonia, Heritage has time to develop better team chemistry and work out any potential shortcomings for future success.
“With playing Caledonia, hopefully it will make us better,” head coach Tori Brooks said. “This is only our second match, so we’ll take what we did wrong in this game, work on it in practice and get better for the season.”
In the end, the story of the night was the beginning of Caledonia’s quest to repeat as state champions.
While the Cavs have yet to be in this position as a program, they are committed to retaining the crown.
“I’m really confident in what we have going on right now,” Holliman said. “We lost four seniors last year that were big, but there’s nine of us seniors this season who can all do it. I believe in us.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion