BENTONVILLE — Siloam Springs’ volleyball team showed Thursday it can be competitive in the 6A/7A-West Conference.
The Lady Panthers, who are moving into the league from the 5A-West, didn’t back down from 7A competition at the Teen Cancer Challenge at Tiger Arena, and coach Rose Cheek is hoping it’s a preview of things to come this season.
Siloam Springs was swept 25-14, 25-21 in its opening match against Bentonville, but the Lady Panthers came right back and swept Springdale Har-Ber 25-15, 25-18.
“We were pleased with how we played,” said Cheek, who is beginning her 31st season at Siloam Springs. “I think at first, especially our younger ones, who hadn’t seen much varsity action, they were a little overwhelmed with it. There were a lot of first-game jitters and second-guessing. By Game 2 (against Bentonville), I think they relaxed and calmed down. They started getting in a rhythm and that helped.”
Bentonville also swept Har-Ber 25-20, 25-18 in the final match of the night. More than $3,000 was raised as part of the Teen Cancer Challenge.
Bentonville jumped out to a quick lead in Game 1 against Siloam Springs, leading 8-1 and eventually pulling ahead 20-9.
Sophomore Sabrina Shepard was instrumental in that run with four kills and two block assists, while Hailey McNee had two kills and two block assists.
Siloam Springs answered in Game 2 and led most of the match before a late Bentonville rally overtook them.
The Lady Panthers then went on a 13-2 run in Game 1 against Har-Ber to build a 22-10 lead. In Game 2, Har-Ber trailed 17-11 before rallying to within 18-16. Siloam Springs closed the match on a 7-2 run.
“Teams like these 7A teams, you can’t give them a point,” Cheek said. “You’ve got to make them earn every point. Bentonville is very strong. They’ve won state the last 2 years. You’ve got to make them earn their points.”
Lauren Cook totaled 10 kills on the night for Siloam Springs, while Ashley Avery had 14 assists and 14 digs. The Lady Panthers open the season Tuesday at home against Fort Smith Northside.
Har-Ber hung tight with Bentonville in Game 1 before the defending 7A champion Lady Tigers pulled away for the win.
In Game 2, Har-Ber took an early 4-1 lead after a solo block from junior Emily Coats and an
ace by sophomore Caroline Webb. The Lady Wildcats led 15-11 later in Game 2 before Bentonville caught fire and finished on a 14-3 run.
A big part of that run was powered by three kills and an ace from McNee. A kill from Anna LeDuc ended the match for Bentonville.
“To get the first game jitters out was big,” said Bentonville coach Michelle Smith. “The sophomores showed a lot of experience without really having any experience. We schedule these (benefit) games for a reason.”
Har-Ber coach Sandy Jones said the Lady Wildcats will come away with a lot to work on in preparation for their season opener Aug. 27 at home against Alma.
“Having only one varsity player returning from last year’s team, we trying to fill some spots,” Jones said. “We played a lot of sophomores and they did great. We’ve got a week to work on things.”