Lady ’Hawks are top seed
FARMINGTON — Pea Ridge heads into this week’s 4A-Northwest volleyball tournament brimming with confidence after winning the regular season crown.
It went down to the wire, but victories over Prairie Grove and Gravette last week sealed the title over Berryville for the Lady Blackhawks (19-6-2).
The two teams are co-champions by virtue of identical league records, but Pea Ridge gets the No. 1 seed because of a points tiebreaker.
“My team has really come together this season,” Jessica Woods, Lady ’Hawks coach, said. “They are playing well together and competing against every team we play.”
Last year, Pea Ridge advanced to the 4A state tournament, taking Brookland to five games before succumbing.
That experience has fueled the fire of the Lady Blackhawks’ se- niors, who want one more shot at glory before graduating.
“Our team’s goal is to play well in this tournament, win it, and obtain a No. 1 seed heading into state,” Woods said. “Our team will have to maintain focus, work together and keep good attitudes.”
A player Woods said has made her presence known this year is middle hitter Sara Kahle.
“She is a hard hitter with a good presence on the net,” Woods said.
Berryville will provide formidable competition for Pea Ridge, but Gravette and host Farmington will be in the mix as well.
“Gravette and Farmington both have solid squads,” Woods said. “We will have to be ready to play every game. The great part about this league is everyone competes.”
The 4A state volleyball tournament is Oct. 29-31 at Mena. The top four seeds from the 4ANorthwest advance to it, and the final is slated for 11 a.m. on Nov. 2 at Russellville.