CALEDONIA — In a David vs. Goliath volleyball match, Lewisburg High School’s length took its toll against Caledonia in a 3-0 victory in the first round of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class II playoffs. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 25-12.
The sweep by the visitors before a loud and boisterous Caledonia student section was Lewisburg’s second 3-0 decision against Caledonia this season. The first win came on Aug. 9 in Caledonia.
Now 31-8, the Lady Patriots move on to the second round Monday against the winner of the New Albany-Greenwood match.
Caledonia, which went 8-0 in Region 4, saw its season end at 27-9.
Sporting a roster featuring four players standing 5-foot-10 or better, Lewisburg coach Allison Burchette, who is 5-11, said size has played an important role in her team’s season.
“It’s definitely a plus to have the size we have, and it’s nice to have players as tall or bigger than I am,” she said.
One of Burchette’s lengthy starters is 5-11 outside hitter Noa Parks, a senior who will have several college options following graduation. Caledonia didn’t have an answer for Parks, who used a variety of hits at the net to score almost at will. She also was effective serving and passing.
“Noa never comes out of the rotation,” Burchette said. “She sees the court well and is our main offensive threat. When she spikes (kills) the ball and it is coming your way, you better get ready to go down after it.”
Caledonia coach Samantha Brooks was even more effusive in her praise for her Lewisburg’s best player.
“She is their stat leader and is very athletic,” Brooks said. “She’s a good passer, a good attacker, and she can serve and block well.”
In addition to Parks, Burchette praised middle blockers Micah Swift (6-1) and Ellie Jones (6-0).
“They are both sophomores, and they played along the front row very aggressively, as did Avery Beth Durdin,” Burchette said.
Caledonia libero Maddy Suggs summed up the loss effectively.
“Some places you just can’t cover and they (Lewisburg) found all of them,” said Suggs, pointing to the court.
Suggs, whose specialty is defense on the back row, drew praise from Brooks for her defensive effort.
“Maddy is one of the state’s top diggers — No. 3 in the state last week,” Brooks said. “She is our best back-row defender who has the ability to pick up the opponents’ big swings. She also gives all she’s got every time out.”
Brooks also singled out setter Camryn Johnson.
“She never fails to come up with great sets for her teammates,” Brooks said. “She’s the quarterback, and she plays an important role on our team.”
The smaller but no less aggressive Lady Confederates, spurred on by a packed student section, built a 10-4 lead in the first set. But Lewisburg outscored Caledonia 17-3 over the next several minutes to take a 21-13 lead. Brooks’ squad cut the deficit to 21-16 and 23-21, but Lewisburg grabbed the win by a 25-21.
In the second set, Caledonia never led. The teams were tied at 3 and at 6 before Lewisburg outscored Caledonia 12-4 to stretch its lead to 18-10 and then 20-12 before settling for a 25-17 decision.
The third set was a carbon copy of the second, as Caledonia never led after falling behind 2-0. An 18-10 run gave the Lady Patriots a 20-10 lead before they scored five of the last seven points to advance.
Despite the sweep, Brooks was pleased with her team’s effort.
“We’ve played Lewisburg several times recently, and this match was the best we’ve ever played them,” Brooks said. “We showed up and we showed out, we just didn’t win. But with eight juniors coming back next year, we’re looking for big things a year from now.”
Johnson had eight digs and 14 assists, Suggs had 10 digs, Ansley Brown had seven digs, Lizzie Truelock had six kills, Tori Brooks had five kills, and Kennedy Lambert had two aces and two blocks.
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