Lady Pioneers finish season with sweep of Prairie Grove Lady Tigers

— Gentry defeated Prairie Grove in straight sets, 25-23, 25-13 and 25-21, on Thursday to pick up a fi nal conference win and secure the fifth spot going into the district tourney.

With tournament play beginning this week at Farmington, Gentry has momentum.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” said Gentry coach Daren Ward. “It was just a matter of time for it to start clicking. We’re doing all the right things, physically and emotionally. Prairie Grove caught us on a good night.”

Ward praised the play of Jordan Olds, whose ace brought the Lady Pioneers to a 19-12 lead in game two.

“She’s our solid rock, her hits were on,” Ward said.

Sofiya Stasiv played well coming back from an injury after sustaining a sprain against Farmington the previous week and said she is ready to go for the tournament.

“I feel great, I’m glad I had such a good comeback for not practicing all week,” Stasiv said.

The serving of Samantha Curran put the match away for Gentry in game three with back-to-back aces that pushed the Lady Pioneers to match-point, at 24-18. Curran said the sweep provided a lift going into post-season play.

“It gives me a lot more confidence than we’ve ever had in past years,” Curran said.

Senior outside hitter Sierra Smith led the team with 9 kills, followed by senior Jordan Olds with 5 kills. Sophomore SamanthaCurran also had 4 aces.

Gravette 3 Gentry 0

In the opening round ofthe district tournament at Farmington, Gentry fell to Gravette, 25-22, 25-21, and 25-11, to end Gentry’s hopes of state play.

Sports, Pages 9 on 10/23/2013