COLUMBUS — When West Lowndes volleyball coach Ashley Clark took over the program five years ago, the Panthers had seen success, but never sustained it.
Her goal for the Panthers was a simple one: Play volleyball the right way and get results.
The most important thing she could do was to teach the fundamentals of the game, because with those fundamentals came success.
Now, five years later, West Lowndes is playing in a home playoff game for the first time in program history, set to take on Jumpertown on Saturday night.
“The girls are really excited about this being the first time,” Clark said. “We’ve just been practicing, making sure that we’re treating every one like it’s our last practice of the season.”
This season has been a journey in itself for West Lowndes (7-7, 3-3 in district), finishing with a .500 record overall and .500 record in district play.
The Panthers started out 2-4, riding a two-match losing streak as district play began, but in an instant, the light turned on and West Lowndes began dominating.
West Lowndes went on a five-match winning streak, storming out to a 3-0 record in district and 7-4 record overall. A district championship was suddenly within reach.
“Our team chemistry grew a lot,” senior Nykirah Bryant said. “I’ve seen a lot of improvements in my teammates and myself. We definitely got closer as a group.”
Unfortunately, West Lowndes ended the regular season on a three-match losing skid; two straight-set losses against Smithville and one against Houlka.
However, that mid-season jolt was plenty as the Panthers earned the second seed in their district, clinching home-court advantage in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A playoffs.
“We’re here for each other,” Bryant said. “We’re always helping each other out. … I’m very excited and I’m very proud of what we’ve done so far.”
Bryant, one of the team leaders, is one of its best outside hitters as well. She, along with Stori Neely and Kerrigan Clark, laid the foundation for the team, one littered with junior talent and ready to strike come Saturday night.
While there’s plenty of excitement leading into this first-round playoff matchup, there are some nerves, too. But, the Panthers are here, and they are ready to make a run at some hardware in Oxford.
“We’ve been practicing hard and working on all the things we think we’ll need to excel to move on,” Clark said. “We’re focused on playing fundamental volleyball. …Every one of these girls wants to do better. They want to play better. They want to learn. I’m just proud of them and I’m excited for what’s next.”
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 37 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 37 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