Photo: The Southside High volleyball team gathers for a photo following the Lady Panthers’ victory over Sardis in the championship match of the Etowah County Schools Tournament last Saturday (Oct. 1) at Glencoe. Pictured, from left: Mallory Brooks, Rylie Kitchens, Jovi Mable, Peyton Burrell, Sarakate Yancey. Standing, from left: Chloe Smedley, Emma Knowlton, Madison Shaw, Rachael Wilson, Kylie McMichael, Kathryn Webb, Lexi Graham. Ella Knowlton. (Taylor Spradley/Messenger)
By Taylor Spradley/Marketing Director
The Southside High volleyball team dominated the Etowah County Schools Volleyball Tournament this past Saturday, October 1 at Glencoe.
The Lady Panthers (25-20) opened the tournament by sweeping Gaston 25-11, 25-13. Southside then swept Glencoe 25-13, 25-19. The Lady Panthers beat Sardis 25-12, 25-19 in the semifinals. Southside won their 13th straight county title in a landslide over Sardis 25-14, 25-16.
Southside head coach Angie Reavis was pleased not only by how her girls played on Saturday but also with in the practices, noting that the process was what helped them be successful.
“One of the main things we did was watch film and we didn’t want to take any team lightly,” she said. [On] Friday, we practiced where we needed to put the ball, such as off speed and tips. [We also] studied their defense.”
In the championship match Southside’s tournament MVP, Kathryn Webb finished with 10 assists, three kills, one block and one ace against the Lady Lions. Mallory Brooks, contributed 11 kills and three digs, followed by Rachel Wilson with five kills, two aces and two digs.
Reavis felt that her team came into the tournament ready to go and accomplished what they had been working on days prior.
“I am very happy how focused the girls were and how they all function as a whole.” The girls never quit, and they proved that on the court.
Southside came into the tournament with a good deal of pressure having 12 county titles under its belt. “We did not take the county tournament lightly,” said Reavis. “Since we have won county 13 years in a row, you still have to work.”
Webb was shocked when she was named MVP of the tournament.
“It feels great, I’m honored. I couldn’t have been MVP without the support of my teammates and coaches. “My teammates are so encouraging; they pick everyone up, and it’s fun to play with these girls.”
Joining Webb on the all-tournament team were Jovi Marble, Mallory Brooks, Sarakate Yancey and Rachel Wilson from Southside; Vada Wilmore, Sidney Rutledge, Caroline Johnson and Emily Humphries from Sardis; Hailey Hanners, Madalyn Amberson and Kinslee Gray from Glencoe; Haley Kate Wellingham and Kayla Traylor from Hokes Bluff; Vannessa Alldredge from West End and Lexi Ponce from Gaston.