Lady Panthers playing for state tourney berth

By Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting

After two important 5A-West conference victories against Morrilton and Harrison last week, the Greenbrier Lady Panthers are set to take on Central Arkansas Christian on Tuesday to claim a spot in the state playoffs.

“We had to have these two wins," Greenbrier coach Cindy Hartman said. “By beating Morrilton and Harrison, it puts us in a tie with CAC for fourth place. Tuesday will be a big match for us to determine if we get to go to state.”

Greenbrier’s is 14-10 overall and 5-7 in the 5A-West conference. The top four teams will advance to the Class 5A State Tournament at Siloam Springs Oct. 27-31.

In their first match of the season, CAC defeated Greenbrier in a four-game match, 25-18, 25-9, 23-25, 25-21, on Sept. 22 at the Panther Pavilion. That game revealed an emotionally distracted and disorganized team, but the Lady Panthers’ recent victories show improvement and a desire to go to the state tournament.

The Lady Panthers defeated Morrilton, 25-23, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19, last Tuesday at home. Senior Brittany Edwards served 100 percent and recorded four digs. Senior Summer Richard finished with nine kills and went 20-for-20 on her serves with four aces. Senior Kalea Hogg led the team with 12 kills and four blocks, and junior Kayla Waters delivered 11 kills, 11 assists and six blocks.

“I thought our setters moved the ball around great, and the hitters did a great job hitting the hole,” Hartman said. “Kayla Waters and Morgan Colclasure made sure that the hitters had the set for those good hits. Kalea Hogg, Summer Richard, Kayla Waters and Janessa Richards all hit the ball hard. Our defense made a big difference too. Brittany Edwards, Lauren Rose and Abbey Holley worked hard to adjust to their hitters and stop the ball on defense.”

The Lady Panthers destroyed the Harrison Lady Goblins in a three-game conference match, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, on Thursday at Harrison.

Waters led the team with nine kills and six blocks. Hogg and sophomore Sam Tillman both recorded seven kills apiece. Senior Janessa Richards finished with six kills.

“We had a very well-balanced offense tonight with a bunch of kids stepping up and killing the ball,” Hartman said. “Tillman came in tonight and got eight sets and seven kills. That is a great percentage for someone coming off the bench. She was a great contribution on offense.”

The Lady Panthers will hit the road to face CAC in a conference match that will make or break them on Tuesday, Oct. 20.