Lee Trawick
reporter2@riverbendnews.org
The Suwannee High School volleyball team entered the 2023 season following last year's disappointing 7-15 record. Under new Head Coach April Greene, the girls bring a ton of energy to the court, playing together as a team. The student section also provides a home-court advantage that drowns out the opposing team.
As the Bulldogs opened the season at home against the Madison County Cowgirls, their talents were on full display. Rachel Smith flew high above the nets. Meanwhile, Erin Kirby had a complete grasp of what the Cowgirls were trying to do, and she beat them to the punch all night. Despite the veterans leading the way, the younger Bulldogs proved the team's future is looking bright.
Maci Hingson, Emma Alcorn and Claire Palmer dominated the night with their athletic ability and power from all ranges of the court. Jordyn Chandler had a spectacular career at the middle school level, and Bulldogs fans could not wait to see her on the varsity court; they did not have to wait long for her to show why there had been so much hype around her. Chandler will be a matchup nightmare for opponents all season. Her poise, speed and power are a rare combination on the volleyball court, especially at such a young age.
The Bulldogs fell behind 1-0 inthe first set before dominating the Cowgirls in three straight sets. While the Cowgirls did not give up, they could not gain any momentum due to the speed and efficiency of the defense. The Bulldogs were able to close out the Cowgirls in the first, 25-11. They continued to set the standard for the season by winning the second set, 25-12, and ending the night for the Cowgirls, 25-11.
While it is a long season, and Suwannee's only had a small sample of what's to come, the Bulldogs' volleyball atmosphere has come back to life. It is exciting, high tempo and full of action this season.