GRAVETTE — After a two year absence, the Gravette Lady Lions 4A volleyball team returned to state tournament action held last month in Harrison.

The Lions finished in third place in the 4A Northwest conference with a 10-4 record, according to Coach Robin Cannon.

The ladies added two more victories and one loss in Conference Tournament action as they defeated Gentry 3-0, dropped a heart breaker to Farmington 0-3, and came back with a 3-0 triumph over Prairie Grove.

In competition in the state 4A tournament at Harrison. Gravette, the No. 3 seed from 4A Northwest was to meet Waldron, the No. 2 seed from 4A West in the Goblin fieldhouse.

State tournament finals were held Oct. 19.An Exciting Year

Coach Cannon said, “This has been an exciting year for us. Returning to the state tournament after a two-year absence is whatthese young ladies have worked very hard to accomplish.”

The coach listed the following leaders in their respective positions during the season just ending:

Senior outside hitter, Taylor Kean, leads team in kills.

Sophomore middle blocker, Monica White, leads team in blocks.

Junior setter, Shelby Frey, leads team in assists.

Senior outside hitter, Christina Lovell, leads team in points.

Other starters are senior setter Samantha Carter, senior middle blocker Kaitlynn Britton, senior libero Kierra Lovell, senior outside hitter Courtney Ruiz and junior defensive specialist Kyndra Meeker. They are joined by other team members Jessica Bayley, Ashley Bohannon, Kelsey Gregory, Kaitlin Haley, Eden Morris, Cassie Murray, Amanda White, Whitney DeWitt and Destaney Wishon.

“I am really proud of all our players in our volleyball program,” Coach Cannon said. “They are terrific young ladies. They work extremely hard and they make my job a joy.”

Sports, Pages 12 on 11/17/2010