SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – DeSoto Central held off a gritty Hernando squad Tuesday night, winning in four sets to earn a key Region 1-7A volleyball victory. The Lady Jags prevailed 25-23, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21 in a match that showcased big swings, strong defensive play, and determined rallies on both sides.
The win lifted DeSoto Central in a tightly contested region race, while Hernando was encouraged by its fight despite coming up short.
Hernando’s Resilient Effort
Hernando head coach Jamie Cross Johnson said her players never stopped competing.
“We just couldn’t get everything going together at the same time,” Johnson said. “When you have to make adjustments and switch people around, sometimes it’s hard to find the rhythm. But our girls worked hard all night and never gave up. They really want each other to succeed, and that’s what I love about this team.”
Johnson praised her defense and setters, calling them the “heartbeat” of the squad, while noting the challenge DeSoto Central presented.
“They’re a great team. They hustle, they play great defense, and their hitters can really put balls away,” Johnson said. “They made it tough at the net.”
Lady Jags Capitalize at Key Moments
For DeSoto Central, the ability to close out tight sets proved decisive. After Hernando led late in the opening frame, the Lady Jags stormed back with five straight points, capped by two kills from Ellie Nehls, to seal the first set.
In the second, DeSoto Central again pulled away late, highlighted by kills from Genesis Weeks and Lariah Wallace.
After dropping the third set, head coach Margaret Falatko reminded her team to return to fundamentals.
“We weren’t executing like we needed to,” Falatko said. “Our hitters weren’t transitioning, and our passers weren’t moving their feet. We just had to get back to what we talk about every day in practice.”
That message resonated as the Lady Jags regrouped to close out the fourth set.
“Genesis has a big swing and brings a lot of power, and Sharray (Morgan) on the right side really listened to adjustments and made smart plays,” Falatko said. “We had just enough to stay ahead and finish.”
Match Highlights
First Set: Hernando led 23-20 before DeSoto Central rallied for a 25-23 win.
Second Set: Lady Jags pulled away late for a 25-17 victory.
Third Set: Hernando took control early and won 25-17.
Fourth Set: DeSoto Central sealed the match with a 25-21 win, closing on strong net play.
Statistically for DeSoto Central, Genesis Weeks had 14 kills and Iyana Fields added 8 more. Weeks and Fields each had 3 blocks. Brenna Sorenson led with 4 aces. Natalie Loftin had 18 assists, and Lydia Harrison had 17 assists. Hallie Willis had 21 digs and Marlee Mueller had 20 digs. DC improves to 9-3 on the season and travels to St. George’s in Collierville Wednesday night.
SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Prep volleyball
Center Hill 3, Olive Branch 0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-22)
Northpoint Christian 3, St. Benedict at Auburndale 0 (25-8 25-11 25-14)
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
