LADY SAINTS SWEEP SPRINGDALE

SPRINGDALE — Members of the Shiloh Christian student section screamed “Reagan kill” in unison after each of sophomore Reagan Robinson’s kills Monday night.

It was a oft-used cheer during the Lady Saints’ match against Springdale High.

Robinson had nine kills, including five in the first game, to lead the Lady Saints to a 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-22) sweep over an injury-depleted Springdale team in nonconference play at Champions Gymnasium.

“There’s still room for improvement, but I think we’re doing really good,” Robinson said.

Shiloh Christian (3-0) jumped out to big leads in the first two games en route to the convincing sweep. The Lady Saints remained undefeated in their final tune-up before opening conference play by hosting Clarksville on Thursday.

Robinson’s five kills in game one helped the Lady Saints jump out to a commanding 16-3 lead on the way to the 25-17 win. But she wasn’t the only Shiloh player to have a big night.

Senior Brittany Butler had a game-high 14 kills in the victory. The Robinson-Butler duo gave senior setter Lauren Brown plenty of options as she finished with 21 assists.

“This is our first year we’ve actually had a lot of height since I’ve been at Shiloh Christian,” coach Shyrah Schisler said. “So I’m really proud of our middle and net play this year. Brittany is just a phenomenal timing player. And then Reagan really has some power.”

Julia Heithoff had a game-high 21 digs for Shiloh Christian.

Springdale (1-2) struggled at times while playing without two of its top hitters.

Sophomore Desiree Mack was out after being involved in a car wreck, while senior middle blocker Mariah King rolled her ankle in pre-game warmups. Six Lady Bulldogs players had to play both the JV and varsity matches.

“So far this week, that’s the luck,” Springdale coach Amanda Williford said. “But this is honestly the best the girls have played to date, defensive-wise especially. The mood out here was a lot happier and calmer. And they played a lot more confident.”

Shiloh Christian raced to a 10-3 lead in a 25-17 second-set win, but Springdale was more competitive in the third game. The Lady Bulldogs led 8-7 and scored three consecutive points to pull within 24-22 before Butler’s match-winning kill.

Sophomore Ryann Goodsell led Springdale with nine kills and three aces, while Brooke Capelle added five kills. Marlen Reynoso had a team-high 11 digs and Allee Staggs had 10.

Springdale will host Rogers High on Thursday in the 6A/7A-West opener for both teams, a match the Lady Bulldogs might still be less than 100 percent for.

“Desiree will hopefully be ready this weekend for our tournament in Little Rock,” Williford said. “She’s going to try to spread her wings Thursday, but I don’t know if that’ll happen. Mariah, we’re about to find out.”

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