GRAVETTE — Gravette’s Lady Lions volleyball team toppled Malvern in the first round of the Class 4A state tournament held last Tuesday at Valley Springs High School in Jonesboro.
Monica White had 16 kills and 6 blocks, Shyanne Nichols 9 kills and 28 digs, and Shelby Frey 22 assists as Gravette took the first two sets by identical scores 25-20, 25-20. They came back to win the fourth set 25-22 after Malvern took the third, 26-28.
This paired Gravette against Valley View, the defending state champion, which repeated in the finals of the tournament when they defeated cross-town rivals Jonesboro Westside.
Lady Lions
Valley View got off to a fast start Wednesday with a 25-4 win in the first set against the Lady Lions. The Gravette girls gained their composure in the next two sets but were still outscored 25-15 and 25-17.
Monica White had 5 kills and 3 blocks and Shelby Frey 4 assists against the eventual state champions.
Coach Robin Gannons’ Lady Lions finished the season with a 14-6 overall record.
Garnering individual honors were Shelby Frey and Monica White, All-State. Shyanne Nichols was named to the 4A State All Tournament Team and taking All Conference honors were Shelby Frey, senior setter; Shyanne Nichols, senior outside hitter; and Monica White, junior middle hitter.
Sports, Pages 9 on 11/02/2011