About The Banks County news. (Homer, Banks County, Ga.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 11, 2023)
PAGE 2B BANKS COUNTY NEWS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 Volleyball: Celebrates Senior Night, wins three games By HANNAH CAUDELL The Lady Leopards Vol leyball team ended their reg ular season last week with two more region matches on Tuesday and two regular matches on Thursday. and be ready. But these girls have everything it takes to continue to break traditions.” This week, the Lady Leopards will travel to Providence Christian Acad emy on Saturday, Oct. 14, for the area playoffs. The first game for the Lady Leopards begins at 10 a.m„ followed by anoth er match at 12 p.m. AGAINST ATHENS ACADEMY On Tuesday, the Lady Leopards played six sets total, battling the Athens Academy Lady Spartans and the Providence Chris tian Lady Storm. It was once again a close game against the Lady Spar tans, but the Lady Leopards persevered into the third set and won with set scores of 25-22 (L), 25-17 (W), and 15-6 (W). However, they ended the night with a close loss against the Lady Storm with set scores of 25-21 (W), 25- 16 (L), and 15-11 (L). On Thursday, the Lady Leopards won both matches against the Franklin Coun ty Lady Lions and the East Hall Lady Vikings. The team won against Franklin with set scores of 25-16, 25-21. Against East Hall, the Lady Leopards won with set scores of 25- 15,25-14. The Lady Leopards also celebrated their senior night on Thursday with balloons, photos, and many tearful hugs. The team also decided to celebrate the other se niors present from Franklin County and East Hall with recognition and gifts. “This is the group that started it all,” Coach Whit- tney LaHayne said about the seniors, including Lola Pruitt, Caitlin Bernier, Addi son Hoard, Raeden Hunter, Bacey Ausburn. and Lillee Parson. “They have been able to shape and make this program what it is today.” Coach LaHayne contin ued by detailing the mark that the seniors have not only left on the program, but their teammates and coaches. “I am going to miss each of them individually be cause they each bring some thing special and unique to our program,” LaHayne said. “They have exem plified the true essence of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the years that will leave an indelible mark on our schooFs volleyball pro gram.: The coach added, “As seniors, their leadership has not only elevated the game, but also inspired their younger teammates and coaches. I pray that the skills they have honed and the lessons they have learned on the court extend even further to guide them in all their future endeavors. I have no doubt that each of them will achieve greatness in their own unique ways. As they step into the next chapter of their lives, may they spike every opportuni ty, set their goals high, and serve as inspirations to us all!” The Lady Leopards have now ended their regular season with a 28-8 record. They also have a 7-3 record in the region and finish in second place in the 2A Re gion 8 competition. “Our motto this season was breaking tradition, and the girls have done just that,” Coach LaHayne said. “We broke all of our previ ous records with 28-8, we went on a 12 game winning streak, which has never been done before, and we had players beat career records in digging, kills, setting, and more. They came to make a statement this year, and they did just that!” LaHayne also expressed her excitement as the girls advanced to the area and state playoffs. “Going into our area play offs, we just have to set our minds on the game at hand,” Coach LaHayne said. “We will go up against some good teams and we have to prepare Senior Lola Pruitt leaps to make one of her signature serves at the base line. Senior Lillee Parson gets under the ball for a dig. Fun By The Numbers 2 7 1 7 2 4 8 2 5 4 6 9 2 8 9 7 3 6 8 5 4 9 8 5 6 Senior Bacey Ausburn dives for the ball for it can hit the ground.
