Lady War Eagles look to return to state tournament

Coach Lindsey Biocic found out she lost one of four returning starters before preseason workouts even began earlier this month.

Brooklynn Head, a 5-foot-10 senior, suffered a knee injury while playing in a basketball camp, but seniors Kyndall Strickland, Tayonna Wilson and Bernice Morals will all be counted on heavily to help the Lady War Eagles return to the state tournament.

“Kyndall will be a six-rotation player for us and should be one of our top offensive players,” said Biocic, who begins her third season at Heritage. “She’s been a great leader for us so far, a quiet leader, but it’s good. She’s calm and collected at all times. Tayonna is one of our biggest blockers and quick enough to the pin to pin.”

Morales finished with a team-high 24 digs combined in benefit matches against Shiloh Christian and Bentonville on Friday. Strickland and Yanisbeth Sanchez shared team honors with eight kills, while Wilson had four blocks and Kayly McClain added six aces.

Kariann Haney, a 5-11 junior, attended Lifeway Christian School in Centerton last year, but could also contribute on the front row.

Junior Josie Stitt and sophomore Marykate Giesen will anchor the setting duties, Biocic said. Junior Brittney Ware played some on the back row some last season but could play a bigger role.

The Lady War Eagles haven’t been to the state tournament since 2015 and haven’t won a 7A-West Conference match since that season. They open the season at Greenwood on Tuesday.