Middle School VolleyDogs open season on the road

The El Dorado Springs Middle School 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams traveled to Bolivar for their season opener Sept. 12.

The 7th graders fell short losing 8-25, 12-25. The 8th grade team faired slightly better needing three games to claim the victory (25-11, 19-25, 25-15).

Coach Jeanie Meyers stated, “I saw some really good things during the 7th grade. I also saw some weak spots, but I was really proud of the girls for doing their best and overcoming their nerves.”

Haley Wise led the team with three service aces. Anyssa Salazar and Madison Noakes added two each. DeOnna Walker had one kill.

Coaches Beau Swopes and Jeanie Meyers were pleased with the overall outcome of the 8th grade game as well.

“The girls came out strong in the first game. They lost some focus in the 2nd game and made some unforced errors, but we were impressed that they were able to come back in the 3rd game to seal the victory.”

Kinli Simmons led the team with eight service aces, while Kameron Schaaf added five and Olivia Hallford chipped in three. Simmons and Hallford provided four assists apiece and Schaaf added three. Schaaf and Simmons also provided five kills apiece while Becky Jennings and Cameron McPeak had one each.

The 2nd game of the season led the teams to Lamar.

The 7th grade showed big improvements from their first game, but still came up short losing 16-25, 13-25. The 8th grade moved to 2-0 with scores of 25-18, 25-13 and a 25-10 B game.

Coach Meyers said, “The confidence level of the 7th grade was a lot better against Lamar. They also missed less serves and returned more balls.” DeOnna Walker led the team with five service aces, all in game two. Anyssa Salazar and Madison Noakes each contributed two of their own. Tori Spencer had one kill.

“I was very proud of the 8th grade for playing strong the entire game. Our defense really stepped up by limiting the number of balls that hit the floor and providing passes that fueled an effective offense,” Coach Meyers said.

Kameron Schaaf led the team with five service aces. Kinli Simmons led with five assists and Olivia Hallford added three. Schaaf contributed five kills. Simmons and Hallford added three apiece while Cameron McPeak chipped in with two.