GENTRY -- The Lady Lions triumphed over the Lady Pioneers in three sets on Sept. 6 with scores of 25-22, 25-11 and 25-16.
According to Gravette coach Britney Davis, the Lady Lions had multiple standout hitters in the game, including junior middle hitter Belen Nelson -- .455, freshman Piper Batie and junior Keeley Elsea -- .429.
"Freshman libero Laney Chilton put on the libero jersey for the first time and passed a 2.46 on a 3.0 scale against Gentry," Davis said.
Gentry's "varsity played great the first set, came out strong but did not finish and let Gravette have the momentum," said Gentry head coach Delanie Tipton.
Other Gentry- Gravette Games
In other Gentry-Gravette matches at Gentry High School, the seventh-grade girls split the match, 25-20 -- Gentry; and 24-19 -- Gravette. The Gentry junior high A team won both sets, 25-13 and 25-22. In the JV game, Gravette took both sets, 25-10 and 25-12.
"The junior high has improved a lot and has been working hard, and it has resulted in a couple of wins," Tipton said.
Gentry at Pea Ridge
The Gentry girls traveled to Pea Ridge on Thursday, with the varsity team again falling in three sets, 25-17, 25-13 and 25-14.
"We came out with no energy, and we were not ready to play," said Tipton. "We tried to battle back in the end, but it was too late," she said.
The seventh-grade team again split the sets, losing the first 28-26 but taking the second 16-11.
The junior high A team lost to Pea Ridge, 25-22 and 25-10. And the JV girls lost as well, 25-13 and 29-9.
Gravette beats Berryville
The Lady Lions also defeated the Lady Bobcats of Berryville on Thursday, 3-0. Set scores were 25-19, 25-15 and 25-13.
"Against Berryville, we had a few standout players," Davis said. "Freshman Piper Batie led the team with 22 assists and the highest hitting percentage of the night with a .500. Sophomore Ella Pinches is a six-rotation outside hitter for our team. She hit .333 against Gentry. Keeley Elsea, a junior right-side hitter, hit a .364.
"Freshman Laney Chilton played libero and passed a 2.4. on a 3.0. She had an amazing game and played great defense.
"Gravette volleyball had an incredible week," Coach Davis said. "We went 2-0 for the week, leaving us 6-1 for an overall record. We beat Gentry in three sets. We also beat Berryville in three."
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gentry's Brynn Cordeiro tips the ball over the hands of Gravette's Drew Madison during play between the two teams in Gentry on Sept. 6.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gravette's Ella Pinches makes a kill attempt against Gentry during play between the two teams in Gentry on Sept. 6.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gentry's Esli DeLeon receives a serve during a home game against Gravette on Sept. 6.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Gentry junior Maya Robinson and senior Alyssa McCarty drop to their knees to keep a serve from dropping to the floor durng play against Gravette on Sept. 6.
Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL
Keeley Elsea and Belen Nelson attempt to block a shot by Alyssa McCarty during play between Gravette and Gentry at Gentry High School on Sept. 6