JONESBORO --Valley View is returning to the Class 5A state championship game after a 3-0 victory over Batesville on Thursday afternoon.
The host Lady Blazers (36-4-1) won the match 25-16, 25-10, 25-13, which was a rematch of the 2015 state title game. Valley View will be making its 14th consecutive trip to the state finals, including three in a row since moving up to Class 5A. The Lady Blazers have won 10 of their previous 13 championship matches.
"We want to be back-to-back 5A state champions and that's what we're going to focus on and do what we do on our side of the court," Valley View Coach Margie McGee said. "We prepared for Batesville and the girls are students of the game. Tell them where the hole is, and the three of us (coaches) are constantly giving them feedback throughout the match telling them to hit here or there or hit line or hit cross and they do it."
Senior outside hitter Canann Richardson led Valley View with nine kills while junior outside hitter Kendal Rees added eight kills. Junior Callie Weaver led the team with 23 digs and three aces. Sophomore Abbie McGee added 19 assists, 8 digs and 3 aces. Senior Morgan McAlexander managed 11 assists and six digs.
McGee said she saw a determination in her team from the beginning of the match.
"They'll do anything for a point," McGee said. "They'll even chase down balls into the bleachers."
Valley View will play Paragould (22-13) in Saturday's championship game. The Lady Rams defeated Nettleton 25-17, 25-21, 15-25, 25-22.
McGee, the Valley View coach, said she's familiar with her conference foe after the Lady Blazers defeated the Lady Rams in all three of their matchups this year.
But it was the Lady Rams who last beat Valley View in a state championship game in 2014.
"Paragould got us two years ago in our first year (in 5A) in what ended up a five-set match," McGee said. "They'll go to their big hitters, including one who generates a lot of power and points for them. It will be two very similar teams that will be playing against each other and will be a really good finals matchup. Paragould is playing with a lot of energy and confidence."
Paragould won its match over Nettleton 25-17, 25-21, 15-25 and 25-22.
Sports on 10/28/2016