Siloam Springs Claims Sixth Consecutive Volleyball Crown
Posted: November 2, 2009 at 5:53 a.m.
JONESBORO — Siloam Springs coach Rose Cheek acknowledged her team, particularly the seniors, were carrying a bit of a burden trying to win its sixth consecutive volleyball state championship this season.
But the close-knit group shook off an early deficit in the second set to grab that sixth straight title with a 25-22, 27-25, 25-20 win over 5A-West Conference rival Greenwoodon Saturday night.
The Lady Panthers (36-3) trailed 9-2 in the second set. Senior setter/hitter Hannah Allison, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, said the players’ adrenaline was at a low ebb early in that second set.
Greenwood (26-9) held the lead throughout much of the second set until Siloam Springs pushed in front with a 9-1 run buoyed by strong net play. Allison was right in the middle of the run with two kills and two block assists.
But Greenwood wouldn’t fold, knotting the score at 22, 23, 24, and 25. Siloam fi nished the set, though, on Alli Wade’s blast off the block and Staci Williamson’s solo block.
Allison, who said Saturday she would sign with Texas next week during the early signing period, again did a little bit of everything for Siloam in the final. She led the way with a match-high 13 kills to go with 16 assists, three solo blocks and five block assists.
Junior Lizzy Briones, who is also drawing Division I collegeinterest, chipped in with nine kills, three solos and four block assists. Wade was also key on the right side with eight kills and three block assists.
Greenwood was led by senior middle hitter Keeley Treece with 10 kills, while junior outside Hayley Allen added eight.
But Siloam’s defense made it tough for the Lady Bulldogs to put the ball to the fl oor.
Williamson led the charge with 22 digs, while Lauren Gay added 15, Kelsey Fraizer 14 and Briones 11.
Sports, Pages 11 on 11/02/2009
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