FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – The Lady Wolves undoubtedly have a very strong volleyball team, but I think it is safe to say that they have an exceptional volleyball program. Coach Ginger McArthur’s phenoms have garnered a 16-2 record overall and a No. 4 ranking in the most recent 1A Volleyball State Rankings, all while defeating Horseshoe Bend for the first time in her coaching tenure at Fayetteville.
Obviously, much of the spotlight goes to junior Kenleigh McArthur, last year’s Alabama Sportswriters 1A Player of the Year, but don’t be fooled. The Lady Wolves boast a very talented team, including the state leader in aces across all classifications in senior Savannah Thrower, who was also named this week’s Allen Brew Market High School Athlete of the Week. Alaina Griffin, Emma Pate, Taylor Hammonds, Anna Blair, Marissa McDickinson, Addi Gum, and Isabella Kelley round out a bunch of young ladies with their goals in sight, becoming “BANNER WORTHY”!
Horseshoe Bend has always given the Lady Wolves fits on the court, but not on Thursday evening. Coach McArthur’s team took 3 of 4 sets from the Lady Generals, outscoring them 89-66 to take the match. The gymnasium was at full capacity and ready to go, and so were the black and vegas gold, defeating their opponent 25-5 to start things off.
Standout Kenleigh McArthur recorded career highs in a single game for both kills and attacks. The junior went 24 for 52 on kills, an outstanding 46%. Serving was also solid, with Alaina Griffin, Emma Pate, Savannah Thrower, and Isabella Kelley leading the way. Taylor Hammonds, and Anna Blair made key digs, and Isabella Kelley played very well defensively.
The Lady Wolves continue to maintain a stronghold in the top 5 rankings in Class 1A, now standing at 16-2 overall, with their only two losses coming to 6A and 5A schools. They will travel to Wadley next Tuesday and Childersburg next Thursday. Coach McArthur said, “This was a big confidence-building win for the girls over a strong 2A program in Horseshoe Bend. They worked really hard and really wanted this victory.”
