DeSoto Central outlasts Lewisburg in five-set volleyball thriller

Photo: DeSoto Central libero Marlee Mueller readies to return serve during Thursday’s five-set Lady Jag victory over Lewisburg. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

By Bob Bakken

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – DeSoto Central pulled off a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lewisburg in a Region 1-7A volleyball showdown Thursday night, handing the Lady Patriots their first region loss of the season.

The Lady Jags rallied to take the match with set scores of 22-25, 25-15, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-12.

“This was one of those nights where our girls really put their heart on the court,” said DeSoto Central coach Margaret Falatko. “We haven’t been playing our best lately, but they came into practice ready to work, listened, and made adjustments. I’m proud of the way they handled adversity and kept finding ways to put balls away.”

Set Breakdown

First Set: Lewisburg escaped with a 25-22 win after scoring four straight points late.

Second Set: The Lady Jags bounced back quickly, building an early lead behind an ace from Hallie Willis and closing it out 25-15.

Third Set: Lewisburg responded, pulling away late after a tie at 21-21 to secure a 25-21 victory.

Fourth Set: DeSoto Central kept the match alive, using a four-point run late and clinching the set 25-21 with a kill from Genesis Weeks.

Fifth Set: In the decisive frame, DeSoto Central opened strong and held on for a 15-12 win, helped by crucial points from Cherie Williams and defensive miscues by Lewisburg.

Standout Performances

Falatko praised Weeks, who dominated the net with 26 kills, four blocks, and six digs.

“She was phenomenal tonight,” Falatko said. “She got big blocks, strong swings, and came through in the clutch. Her consistency really helped us.”

Falatko also highlighted sophomore Williams, who delivered under pressure.

“She stepped up when we needed her most,” Falatko said. “She played like an upperclassman and gave us key points in the fifth set.”

Other contributors for DeSoto Central included Brenna Sorenson with 16 kills, Marlee Mueller with 17 digs, Wills with 10 digs and three aces, and setters Natalie Loftin and Lydia Harrison, who combined for 43 assists.

For Lewisburg, Addison Cole led the way with 17 kills, 19 assists, and 16 digs, while Mary Olivia Barnes added 14 kills and six blocks. Gwen Tuffield finished with 12 kills and five blocks, and Laney Wier tallied 33 digs.

Falatko said cutting down on mistakes was a major focus after the team’s recent loss to Hernando.

“We talked about minimizing errors and earning our own points,” she said. “Against Hernando, we missed six serves in one set, and you can’t afford that in close matches. Tonight, we cleaned things up and it made a big difference.”

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, Sept. 18

Prep volleyball

Hernando 3, Lake Cormorant 2 (20-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-13, 15-9)

• Lake Cormorant: Sofia Gonzalez-21 kills, 26 digs; Emily Huerta-21 digs; Payton Davis-20 assists; Kayla Gonzalez-17 assists; Ma’Kayla Hill-12 kills, 2 aces; 

DeSoto Central 3, Lewisburg 2

• DeSoto Central: Genesis Weeks-26 kills, 4 blocks, and 6 digs. Brenna Sorenson-16 kills;. Marlee Mueller-17 digs; Hallie Willis-10 digs and 3 aces; Natalie Loftin-23 assists; Lydia Harrison-20 assists and 9 digs.
• Lewisburg: Addison Cole 17 kills, 19 assists, 16 digs; Mary Olivia Barnes 14 kills, 13 digs, 6 blocks; Gwen Tuffield 12 kills, 5 blocks; Laney Wier 33 digs, 2 aces, 2 assists

Northpoint Christian 3, Evangelical Christian (Cordova) 0 (25-12, 25-9, 25-12)

• Northpoint: Val Hurdle 11 kills, 1.5 blocks, 7 digs, 1 ace; Christiana Nolan 6 kills, 2 digs, 4.5 blocks; Sarah Johnson 35 assists, 10 digs, 2 aces

Horn Lake 3, South Panola 0

Southaven at Tupelo

Olive Branch 3, Independence 0

Center Hill 3, Grenada 0 (25, 21, 25-17, 25-12)

JUCO football

Northwest 45, Coahoma 0

SPORTS ETC.: Northwest volleyball sweeps Gulf Coast for 12th straight win

SENATOBIA – Northwest Mississippi Community College volleyball extended its winning streak to 12 matches Wednesday night with a 3-0 sweep of Mississippi Gulf Coast at Howard Coliseum, improving to 15-2 overall and 6-0 in MACCC play.

The Rangers edged out a tight first set 25-23 despite early serving struggles, then dominated the second set 25-11 behind a 10-2 run. Gulf Coast pushed back in the third, keeping the score close with multiple ties, but Northwest closed with four straight points to seal the 25-21 victory.

Ariana Woods and Chloe Fesperman paced the balanced offense with nine kills apiece, while Adalyn Callahan added eight. Dallas White led with 16 assists, with support from Saylor Bryant (10) and Chloe Rodriguez (six). Freshman Jania Rose served three of the team’s six aces.

Northwest will hit the road Monday to face reigning Region 23 champion Jones College in Ellisville.