DeSoto Central volleyball battles past Oxford in four-set victory

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – DeSoto Central’s volleyball team delivered a gritty and balanced performance Tuesday night, defeating Oxford in four sets in a match that tested the Lady Jags’ resilience and teamwork.

Head coach Margaret Falatko praised her squad for rising to the challenge against an Oxford team known for strong blocking, sharp passing, and disciplined defense.

“We had to come and play a good game to be able to win tonight,” Falatko said. “Our defense was phenomenal, our block stepped up later in the match, and we were just able to find their holes in the defense and start putting balls away. The girls showed so much grit and heart and just didn’t give up.”

Team effort leads the way

Unlike earlier matches where a few hitters carried the offense, Falatko emphasized that the Oxford win was the definition of a complete team effort.

“I can’t pinpoint anybody,” she said. “Our passers in the back row did amazing, our front row did amazing, and our setters did a great job of spreading the offense. It was truly a team effort, and the team won it tonight.”

She added that the balanced play across hitters and defenders showed the Lady Jags’ growing versatility as the postseason nears.

“I think it shows that anybody can put a ball away and we don’t just have to rely on one or two people,” Falatko said. “It’s showing that people can step up in big situations and make big plays.”

Set-by-set highlights

First Set: Oxford built a 16-12 lead, but DeSoto Central stormed back with a seven-point run featuring an ace from Remy McIntosh and a kill from Genesis Weeks. The Lady Chargers tied it late, but a Sharray Morgan kill sealed the 25-23 win for the Lady Jags.

Second Set: DeSoto Central jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Oxford clawed back. The Lady Jags reached set point at 24-20, but Oxford rallied to take it 28-26 after several DeSoto Central miscues.

Third Set: The teams traded points until DeSoto Central surged ahead 18-13 behind kills from Ellie Nehls and an ace from McIntosh. Oxford tied it at 22-22 before Gwen Tuffield’s kill secured the 26-24 win for DeSoto Central.

Fourth Set: Oxford grabbed an early edge, but Lariah Wallace tied it at 15-15 with a block. Weeks then took control with a kill and three straight aces, pushing DeSoto Central ahead 21-18. Tuffield closed the match with a kill for a 25-20 victory.

DeSoto Central stat leaders for the contest: Marlee Mueller had 18 digs. Remy McIntosh had 16 digs and 5 aces. Hallie Willis had 15 digs. Genesis Weeks had 15 kills, 10 digs, and 3 aces. Brenna Sorenson also had 15 kills and 6 digs. Ellie Nehls and Lariah Wallace each had 3 blocks. Natalie Loftin had 23 assists, and Lydia Harrison had 18 assists.

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, Oct. 2

Prep volleyball

• DeSoto Central 3, Oxford 1 (27-25, 28-26, 26-24, 25-20)
• Lake Cormorant 3, Alcorn Central 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-19) 
  • Lake Cormorant: Sofia Gonzalez-14 kills, Kayla Gonzalez-3 aces and 17 assists, Emily Huerta-19 digs, 
• Center Hill 3, Saltillo 0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21)
• Olive Branch 3, Southaven 1