Hicks powers Fayetteville past Springdale

FAYETTEVILLE — Rosana Hicks was in command from start to finish for Fayetteville against Springdale High on Tuesday night.

Hicks had 26 kills to lead Fayetteville to a 3-1 victory (25-11, 2514, 23-25, 25-19) over the Bulldogs in 6A-West Conference action at Bulldog Arena.

It was the first league match for Fayetteville after losing 3-1 at Bentonville to fall into a second-place tie with Springdale Har-Ber. Fayetteville dominated the first two sets Tuesday, but Springdale refused to be swept and won the third 25-23. Fayetteville then regained control and Hicks had three consecutive kills to complete a 2519 victory.

Amelia Whatley added 12 kills and Kennedy Phelan 52 assists for Fayetteville. Taina Miller and Amaya Johnson had eight kills apiece to lead Springdale (6-17, 1-11).

“Rosana was able to score some points when we really needed them,” Fayetteville coach Jessica Phelan said. “I thought we could’ve played a little cleaner on our side of the net, but Springdale really fought. They did a really good job defensively and made us earn points.”

The Lady Bulldogs (25-5, 102) warmed up for Springdale by winning three of four games at the Lady Wampus Cat Invitational at Conway. Fayetteville beat Batesville, Little Rock Christian, and Mount St. Mary in pool play before losing to Jonesboro in the semifinals.

Fayetteville led 9-1 and 13-2 Tuesday before winning the first set 25-11. Hicks displayed a combination of power and finesse with three kills and a couple of tips at the net. Phelan added two aces before Whatley followed with another kill.

Springdale only trailed 11-7 in the second set before Fayetteville pulled away for a 25-14 win.

Springdale played its best in the third set, where the Lady Bulldogs forced two Fayetteville timeouts while taking leads of 1812 and 23-14. Fayetteville used a late surge to pull with 24-23 before Springdale scored again to avoid the sweep.

Conference play continues Thursday when Fayetteville hosts Rogers Heritage and Springdale travels to Bentonville.

SPRINGDALE HAR-BER 3, VAN BUREN 0

Kat Cooper and Mackenzie White hammered 13 kills apiece to lead the Lady Wildcats to a 25-16, 25-21, 25-23 win over the Lady Pointers.

Maddux McCrackin and Trinity Sharp added 11 digs each, while Caylan Koons contributed six kills, 22 assists and seven digs for HarBer (23-7, 10-2 6A-West)

Grace Doolittle led the Lady Pointers with 16 kills, while Brianna Ball dished out 27 assists.

BENTONVILLE HIGH 3, ROGERS HIGH 0

Savanna Riney had 14 kills as Bentonville continued its winning ways with a 25-17, 25-8, 25-14 decision over Rogers in Tiger Arena.

Taylor Shapley added a teamhigh 23 assists and had four of 11 aces for the Lady Tigers (19-6, 111), while Kloey Eakin had 20 digs. Trinity Hamilton contributed seven kills and nine digs.

Gracie Carr led Rogers (11-19, 5-7) with seven kills, followed by Abby Harris and Kate Miller with four apiece. Harris and Phoenix Bailey led the Lady Mounties with four blocks apiece.

BENTONVILLE WEST 3, ROGERS HERITAGE 2

Kortney Puckett finished with a match-high 34 kills and 13 digs to help Bentonville West earn a hardfought 25-22, 24-26, 25-21, 23-25, 15-11 win and clinch a state tournament berth.

Ally McCasland dished out 50 assists, while Baylee Lester added a team-high 18 digs.

Allison Edwards led the Lady War Eagles with 18 kills and 16 digs. Brittney Ware contributed a team-high 20 digs, while Ava Cate Cameron added 22 assists. Kariann Haney also chipped in with six blocks.

FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE 3, MOUNT ST. MARY 1

The Mavericks clinched the 6A-Central conference title with the 25-13, 14-25, 25-12, 25-22 win over the Belles on Tuesday night.

Avery Fitzgerald and Toree Tiffee had 13 kills each, while Kelsey Hamilton added seven aces and 17 digs for Southside (26-5, 11-1). Hannah Hogue also contributed 33 assists, 17 digs, and three aces.