History has been made

History has been made as the Liberty Lady Eagles won their fifth consecutive district title on Saturday, Oct. 26. The road to the championship started out rocky, but as the Lady Eagles always do, they dug deep and pulled out the win. The district title was one for the record books as the Lady Eagles have never won five straight titles. The streak began in 2020 as they defeated Willow Springs; 2021 defeating Licking; 2022 defeating Houston; 2023 defeating Thayer and this year defeating Cabool.

 

"We knew coming into this game that we were not the team that got beat in September, but we also knew we would get a battle," stated Head Coach Shari Tune on the championship game. "I'm proud of their confidence and mentality, but most of all their grit. They have had to fight hard this year and they are rising to the challenge every day."

 

The Class 2 District 9 tournament was a change-up for the Lady Eagles this year as Fordland replaced Mansfield in the district tournament bracket. Going into districts, the Lady Eagles received a BYE on the first round. The first round saw Fordland (4) defeating Seymour (5) in three sets and Thayer (3) defeating Gainesville (6) in three sets. The second round of districts had Cabool (1) defeating Fordland in three sets and Liberty (2) defeating Thayer in three sets, 25-15, 25-21 and 25-15. For the game (unofficial stats): Brinley Duckett (2) had 1 kill and 8 attacks; Jade Acklin (3) had 4 serving aces and 4 digs; Kaylie Wagner (5) had 1 kill, 3 attacks and 19 digs; Jayli Tharp (6) had 2 serving aces, 5 kills, 25 attacks and 4 digs; Jordyn Tune (8) had 1 serving ace, 4 attacks and 5 digs; Bryleigh Wallace (9) had 1 serving ace, 15 kills, 29 attacks and 13 digs; Kelbie Smith (10) had 5 kills, 17 attacks and 2 digs; Korie Lind (13) had 11 kills, 29 attacks and 1 dig; and Kinsey Shoup (15) had 6 digs.

 

The championship game was held on Saturday, Oct. 26 and had the #1 Seed the Cabool Lady Bulldogs facing off against the #2 Seed the Liberty Lady Eagles. Earlier in the season the Lady Eagles lost to the Lady Bulldogs adding to the intensity of the play. The game started off seemingly even matched as each team returned point for point ending the first set 25-23. The second set the Lady Eagles came out on top again solidly winning 25-15. The third set had everyone out of their seats as the Lady Bulldogs led the Lady Eagles 16-10, 17-11 and 20-16 before the Lady Eagles do what they do best, dug deep. In a massive come-back the Lady Eagles won the third and final set of the match 25-23 and made Liberty history for the volleyball program, five consecutive district titles. 

 

"Being a senior and this being my fourth district title since being in high school, it just makes me feel grateful," began Senior Korie Lind. "Grateful to play with all of the girls beside me and to have the best coaches."

 

"I've been through three other district titles throughout my high school career and I feel honored to be here for another one to make history," stated Senior Kaylie Wagner. "This team has made a big difference in my life and the coaches have done so well leading us through all of our accomplishments."

 

Senior Bryleigh Wallace added, "It feels amazing to make history for Liberty High School. I could not have asked for a more loving group of girls."

 

The Lady Eagles will play on Thursday, Oct. 31, time and place to be determined. They will face the winner of District 10, that game was played Monday, Oct. 28 against Miller and New Covenant Academy. "Looking on to the first round of sectionals ... of course the opponent will have home court advantage, but we will prepare and the girls will have the tools they need," Head Coach Tune said. "We just need the skills and mentality to be there for that night."