While the 2016 season marks the beginning of a new conference slate for the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs, Head Coach Jennifer Golden has done her best to maintain a high level of competition early in the season, scheduling four consecutive Class 7A opponents.
Reclassification by the Arkansas Activities Association led to the combining of Classes 5A and 6A in volleyball, a move that will surely benefit 6A teams like Greenwood the most.
But to keep her players motivated and at the top of their game, Golden retained as many 7A opponents as possible in non-conference play. "That's why I schedule [7A schools], to prepare us for later on," she said.
The Lady Bulldogs opened their season with a benefit match at 7A Rogers last Tuesday, August 18th, and quickly found themselves in a hole, dropping the first two sets, 23-25 and 18-25. But Greenwood rallied to take the final three sets, 25-19, 25-21, and 15-5.
"We showed real heart by coming back when we were down two games to open the match. I was very proud of our never-give-up attitude," said Golden.
Statistically, Brooke Shortes led the team with 23 assists and three aces. Carrie Ciesla added 10 kills, 13 assists, and also had three service aces. Abby Cagle and Madi Pfeifer had eight kills each, while Liliiah Pugh accounted for seven kills.
"The benefit match didn't really count," said Golden, though she was pleased with the outcome. The official season opener was this past Monday at Fayetteville against perhaps the best team in Class 7A, who gave the Greenwood girls all they could handle and more, winning in straight sets, 14-25, 17-25, and 21-25.
"This was a very tough match-up with the defending 7A state champs," said Golden. "But I like playing games like these because it gives us a good read on our strengths and weaknesses to focus on and build on as we start our season."
Once again, Brooke Shortes led the team with 15 assists, while Carrie Ciesla had 11. Lexie Castillow scooped out 17 digs. Pfeifer and Pugh led the team in kills with seven and six, respectively.
The Lady Bulldogs got their first win of the season this past Tuesday night in their home opener against Rogers Heritage, winning easily in straight sets, 25-9, 25-11, and 25-14.
"Greenwood had 21 aces led by Brooke Shortes with seven. Hannah Johnston added six aces. Madi Pfeifer had 13 kills, while Carrie Ciesla had nine kills, eight digs, and seven assists. Lexie Castillow also contributed with 15 digs."
"It's always nice coming home and getting that opening win," said the coach. ["The crowd] really rallied behind us."
The Lady Bulldogs will stay home on Thursday of this week to host Fort Smith Northside, another 7A school. After playing in the Early Bird Invitational on Saturday, they will travel to Shiloh Christian next Monday and Alma next Tuesday.