Blackville – The Jefferson Davis Academy volleyball team has already had a “first ever” season, but the Lady Raiders want to add to that list.
“Wow, what a season,” said JDA head coach Bart Owens. “We have had ups and some downs, but we are coming together at the right time, and this will be the first region championship for our varsity girls ever in volleyball, so it's really special.”
Jefferson Davis is 11-4 on the season and has a 5-1 region record. It will be playing in the Class A state tournament at Myrtle Beach Sports Center on October 20-21.
“Our girls are playing well as a team and we look to go deep into the playoffs, but our competition in state is really good so we have to play well,” Owens said. “We have had a great season and look to continue on.”
The Raiders are led by senior middle hitter and team captain Gylian Googe. She is averaging five kills, five blocks and two service aces per match.
“She has really picked up her game and leadership,” Owens said of Googe. “I’m proud of her. I ask a lot of her, and she accepted the challenge.”
Sophomore outside hitter Rynn Fickling and freshman middle hitter Mattie Morris are strong around the net. Fickling is averaging six kills, one block and four aces, while Morris is averaging eight kills, two blocks and two aces.
Junior rightside hitter and setter Sydney Owens is averaging 17 assists, two kills, three aces and two blocks. Junior libero Carrie Lynn Loadholt is averaging six digs, three aces and three assists.
Coach Owens calls Loadholt, senior outside hitter Reagan Still and Owens his most consistent players.
Other members of the team are junior defensive specialist Elle Fogle, junior outside hitter Kaylee Jackson and freshman rightside hitter/setter Kinslie Carson.
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