The small New Hope volleyball contingent that made their way to Columbus High’s gymnasium Thursday night each raised their hands in the air and lifted a single finger with anticipation.
Each fan realized New Hope was one point away from capturing its first district title in program history.
When the ball landed, the Trojans celebrated their 3-0 road victory over Columbus before grouping together to pose for a plethora of photos from eager parents long awaiting the moment. The Class 5A, Region 1 Trojans dispatched the Falcons by set scores of 25-7, 25-7, 25-12. With the win, the team improved to 16-12 overall and 4-0 in district play.
“I’m just beyond excited,” New Hope coach Allison Woolbright said. “This is the first team we’re district champs and undefeated district champs at that. It’s just like something we can’t believe. I was nervous all day.”
This feeling had been a long time in the making for Woolbright. Just two seasons ago, the Trojans finished a meager 3-13 before improving to 10-14 in 2018. Finishing the season above .500, a task New Hope has failed to achieve for nearly a decade, would have been enough for the fourth-year coach. Winning a district title turned out to be the cherry on top.
“I think I knew when we first started our conditioning back in the spring, I just thought we were young but had a lot of talent,” Woolbright said. “A lot of our girls were really committed and worked hard all summer. They just gave everything their best effort and were fully committed.”
In previous district matchups, New Hope defeated Columbus 3-0 on Aug. 22 and took down Saltillo 3-0 on Aug. 29 and Sept. 19.
“Our players talk really well (on the court),” Woolbright said. “Our team really lifts each other up most of the time. They all have the same goal and you can tell that when they play.”
With the district championship locked up, the Trojans will host a postseason game on Oct. 17 against the Class 5A Region 2 runner up. New Hope’s playoff opponent is still to be determined. The Trojans still have three non-district matchups left on the schedule, the first coming against Choctaw County on Tuesday.
“It feels great, we’ve never (won the district) before,” said eighth grader Annie Woolbright, who led the team with 426 assists entering Thursday’s contest. “Maybe it will set up a great finish for the rest of the year.”
Meanwhile, Columbus is back in action on the road against Kosciusko on Oct. 3.
Hodge is the former sports editor for The Dispatch.
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