That is how it is done.

Hot Springs, Arkansas is the place to be if you like volleyball.

Five championships, dinner.

And today, including the two way state title, which is right now between Hackett and England.

Welcome.

Inside Bank Ozk arena.

I'm Bobby Swofford, alongside Cierra Clark and I think we've got a treat on our hand.

England has a tall task in front of them, as they're taking on what a lot of people think is the best team in the state.

Yeah, the Hackett Hornets, such a dominant team, sixth straight state championship appearance.

And yes, they play in the smallest classifications.

But that doesn't mean that this team plays some small volleyball at all.

They're huge.

Yeah.

As you just mentioned, there are no stranger to playing in this championship in the last couple of years.

Haven't been kind to Hackett as they took on the team in class three a last year, a Baptist prep school on that.

Well, I got the better of them.

These two teams kind of evenly matched the late in the game.

Baptist prep able to take a late run and they completed the sweep.

So revenge is on the mind of Hackett and Michael and Freeman is a big reason why they're back here about to compete for another title.

Yeah, Michael and pretty much has already committed to the University of Tulsa, and she's just such a dominant player offensively.

Defensively it's like she can do it all.

And it's so she's going to be really interesting to watch.

440 kills and 70 aces this year.

On the other side of things the England Lions maybe a bit of a surprise to see here, just a sixth year of existence of their volleyball program.

And this is how they got here.

They didn't receive a first round bye after winning the regional championship.

They finished second in the two way five and then a sweep of Pickett's and a really impressive performance in the semifinals.

They swept Ozark Catholic.

And that's our match up here today.

England taking on Hackett.

And here in East Powell is the offense for the England Lions.

Gabonese Powell outside hitter for the England Lions.

And it's so you have to love when you see a team that's so has a brand new program is is starting to kind of establish where they are.

And that's where she is I'm excited to see where she puts on offensively.

And her blocking front especially is what she's really good at too.

So I'm excited to see what she does there, too.

The two way state volleyball championship going to be up for grabs in just a moment.

We're going to step aside.

First serve coming up between Hackett and England.

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They see you.

I am as hell.

I am dancing through life.

We never going to stop.

You stop.

We're back inside Bank Oak Arena.

We're almost ready for first serve as England.

And the take on a hack.

It's a two way championship on the line.

The Hacking Hornets a perfect 35.

And oh, on the season they swept Saint Joseph in the quarterfinals.

They had a first round bye in the two AA state tournament.

Then they swept Taylor.

And maybe one of the more impressive performances you'll ever see.

Allowed only 23 points in all three sets did Hackett.

They've got big wins over five eight state champion Shiloh Christian.

They also defeated Paris, who's playing for a three AA championship.

Coming up next, that's going to be the next match at 5:00.

But England's, they're not afraid of the moments.

They've been playing really, really well of late 19 and seven on the year ten and two.

And they avenge their two losses from the regular season in the regional tournament.

And that's why the Lions are here today.

And we're underway here in this two state championship.

And they start it off quick.

Who McKenzie Freeman.

The other Freeman sister.

The older Freeman starts the match with the kill.

Yes that was pretty quick.

Number 22 McKenzie Freeman.

She's a senior.

She also play softball.

So this Hackett team very dominant in softball as well.

They actually receive their state championship rings not too long ago.

She had them last week they won the three EHS championship and that one into the net.

And Hackett scores the first two points.

The other freshman is, if you will, McKenzie.

She's committed to play softball at Tulsa.

So the sister is going to be playing on the same campus at least in a couple of years.

She was the winning pitcher in that championship softball game back in the spring.

Yeah, their mom is the head coach, Bridget Freeman.

So, very athletic family, very actively ball and softball.

Just, McKenzie softball is more of her first love.

But of course, still, I love seeing athletes play multiple sports and be good at multiple sports as well, because, they don't really talk about how important that is for the development of a young athlete and mentally, physically different muscles.

And it's really important for athletes to play through sports.

So I love.

That you mentioned the Madeline.

Do they play?

They are very, very good at both sports.

Yes.

Talk about very good renews Powell with the big swing there.

Gets England on the board.

Yeah Ronnie Powell was our player to watch from England.

And she's just extremely athletic.

And and this new program that's really refreshing to see a player that just has that raw natural talent that can get up and slam it down like that.

You can see the explosiveness there got high above that.

That drove one down McKenzie Freeman on fire in the early going.

Already three kills for McKenzie.

She came into the match 329 kills on the season second best on the team.

This is a power offense.

No question from Hackett.

Absolutely.

It's just very hard to stop.

The free ball over to Hackett.

Now the Lady Hornets have a chance to take advantage.

Not just the Freeman's on this.

One of that Michael in there.

That's her first kill of the afternoon.

And that one is drilled home.

And quickly Hackett now to a five point lead.

Very making it look real easy.

And the ball loose on the far side England recognize it but able to be put down.

So a little multitasking going over there for England.

That was Renee Powell with the first two points for England.

They're going to need a big night from Powell 249 kills on the season for an ace serving up.

Both these teams wearing white.

And that's just tough there Michael and Freeman again with a big kill.

The way she gets up there and leaps and sends it down.

Just make it's hard to stop her there.

It's crazy to think that's not even or that's her other sisters.

For this reason why volleyball is her best sport.

Tonight went into the net so quickly.

Hackett out to A62 lead.

It's certainly a family affair.

The volleyball program there at Hackett.

Dad's also the principal at the school.

That's what I love about these small towns and their sports is they get so passionate about them.

And the whole town kind of rallies around.

A principal superintendent.

Maybe the superintendent may have discredited a little bit there.

Sorry, Michael.

I know you're important.

It's all I know.

That's a nice job for her in East Powell.

Again, a big put down.

She's responsible for all three England points.

Yes.

Seems like she's.

It's hard for them to have an answer for her.

You know, she's just one player.

But very hard to stop.

There's a difference between does that serve goes in that no one where the ball is coming and then stopping it.

And Powell obviously showing that doesn't matter if you know it's coming or not.

She can put it down.

Back serve now is Riley Decker for Hackett five two sophomore.

Serving up eight three already for the Lady Hornets.

Trying to set Powell that one over the block.

Receive from Hackett.

Big swing dug out by Powell.

And that's two way player for England.

That was a draw on a mountain.

And Freeman was no answer there Michael and Freeman elevates.

The six foot.

Junior puts it down.

Yeah she's a strong just powerful header.

She's able to just deliver those strong attacks from anywhere.

Nine three that one though into the net.

You got to clean up some.

Volleyball is flying all over the place on that far side.

Like you said England is still a fairly new volleyball program.

And coach Samantha Brewer said that she's just really trying to put England on the mat for volleyball with these groups of girls.

The school has had more of a stronger history in basketball, in boys and girls hoops, and so they're trying to get up there volleyball.

Net violation on England.

That's going to give a point back to the Hornets.

They've got an early ten four lead.

And they get to the finals.

In just the sixth year of a program is pretty impressive.

You know and talking with Coach Brewer coming into this championship.

They said the goal two years ago was to make the state tournament.

They did that.

The goal last year was to win a match in the state tournament.

They did that.

The goal this year was to get to the finals and they did that.

So the program is certainly being built the right way as Caitlin Edwards gets the kill for Hackett.

John Hackett also not.

It's still a fairly young program themselves.

I mean, they only started volleyball in 2016, so both of these teams haven't really been around in the sport of volleyball for a decade.

So it's really refreshing to see.

So volleyball is growing in the state of Arkansas, starting to see more and more schools at it.

And that's why the regional round was added this year for the first time in classes two three and four eight.

So postseason has been expanded.

That's because more teams, more conferences.

So gotta give everybody a fair shake.

That's why you're starting to see some byes in the first round of the state tournament.

Only only three regionals, six conferences for those classifications.

But those postseasons are going to continue to expand.

The more teams that play.

That's a good look at Coach Bridget Freeman, who's had a lot of success with the Hack and Hornets.

Her daughter's big reason why they're really, really good team coach, assistant Jeff Oxford.

You look at some of the numbers, but Caitlin Edwards almost 100 kills.

Kinley Jones one.

Hundred and 30 kills.

Really really impressive on that side.

On the other side there is coach Samantha Brewer.

We've talked about the job that she's done in building this program in England.

The future certainly bright for that team out of Central Arkansas.

Yeah, that's really exciting to see.

And also going back with Coach Freeman when she started her program, she actually teach and coach at Mansfield and started the volleyball program at Hackett in 2016.

And then she just got a lot of girls really involved in the sport.

They started getting involved in club volleyball and, and a lot of the athletes in town just really fell in love with the sport.

So not only are they liking it on the high school standpoint, but also on the club standpoint, and that's kind of where athletes get more of that competitive edge.

And having club volleyball players from small towns just really kind of levels the playing field across the state.

Nice job by Caitlin Edwards there to elevate and win.

The battle at the net.

Pushes the Hackett lead to 12 four here in the opening set.

And it seems that Hackett has settled in there not taken by the moment a perfect serve there by Michael and Freeman in the ace.

Now Michael Freeman looking real easy with that ace.

No go ahead and low to the ground.

And England just really kind of needs to go a little bit faster when it comes to preventing that.

Hackett had the advantage of hosting the state tournament this year as well, and they made quick work of it.

Big swing there on the right side.

A nice job by the block from England.

Freeman.

And that one long can't be handled.

And so points the England side out.

Was a little bit out there getting a little ahead of themselves.

Avery Edwards going to drop back to the service line for England.

Trailing by eight here in the early going.

Plenty of time to get back in it.

If you're bowling for the Lady Lions.

Go to Freeman.

So that was a double hit on the set there for Hackett.

So another point for England makes it 13 six.

It's a nice nice one for England.

There.

And this is Edwards on serve for England.

Back.

Hackett going right back to Freeman.

That was McKenzie earns the kill McKenzie Freeman with for Michael.

And Freeman with four.

Freeman sisters going at it right there.

Yep.

Just you hate to sound like a broken record, but when they keep feeding it, we saw that in the six A match as well.

Jones just just kept putting it away putting it away.

And Conway kept going back to her.

It's not broke.

Don't fix it.

That's not broken.

Kinley James the middle blocker and six one junior goes up and puts it down real rule.

Refreshing to see her do that with the longer arms.

Kind of just really showing that defensive effort that I know Hackett can bring us while we talk about them a lot offensively, but defensively, they're just so well-rounded.

Team England sends the free ball over, but that's wide and point for the Lady Hornets.

Now their leads up to double digits at 16 six here in the first.

35 and oh is Hackett 19 and seven England coming to this.

Which is so impressive to go 35.

And oh and Hackett has had a tough schedule throughout the year and they've played some tough teams.

So that's fun to see.

And as I mentioned, they beat Shiloh Christian who won the five eight title earlier today.

Good balls rolling on the court.

They still affect the players.

Nice job by England to keep the point alive.

Big swing there from Adrianna moten with the block.

Now after the kill going to drop back for the serve.

Let's go.

Lady Hackett's another team that's just really good at communicating as well.

Looking around, using hand motions.

Like right in the middle.

And put down again.

Kinley James.

She had a block earlier.

Now give her a kill.

Yeah.

She's one of those players that's very strong up front in the front zone.

Good at blocking.

That one coming right at us.

Foot back into play but can't get it over.

Yeah England kind of a little bit.

Voice.

Voice what each other was doing in that moment.

So it's 19 seven lady Hornets have the lead here in the opening set.

First sets always important tough handling the serve there.

But England does get it over.

Hackett now trying to get in system.

Big swing there.

Gets over just enough in the second touch there from Riley Decker.

Puts it across England going to take a timeout as Hackett is five points away from taking this opening.

Sets a little step aside.

Hackett 13 point advantage here in set one.

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Caitlin Edwards back to the service line for Hackett.

They've got a 22 seven lead here in the first set.

England sends over the free ball.

Chance for the Hornets to get the offense going.

So tip they're diving bodies by the Lions.

They go out to Powell.

She's puts one down.

Ronnie Powell with the kill for the Lions.

That's her fourth of the match.

Real nice effort by by Powell.

She just knows kind of where to spot it.

28 is the margin.

Hackett out in front.

She's carrying a lot of this team on her back.

And she's doing the best she can.

There.

Try to set James in the middle.

Timing just a bit off.

And that went into the net.

29 England's going to try to hang around.

Obviously a big mountain to climb to get back into this first set.

That's Anna Beth Hallam that serve for the Lions.

McKenzie Freeman with the big swing from the right side and she puts down another kill.

Yeah McKenzie Freeman, the outside hitter, just absolutely dominated on this one already.

She's just very athletic.

And she can jump high and has that agility that she.

Really good athletes.

As we mentioned she's going to be the pitching for Tulsa this time next year.

Yes.

And her and her sister Mike Linor 13 months apart.

So very close in age.

Sure.

Very grew up playing sports against each other all the time.

Really good spot there for the serve for England.

Hackett has to send over the free ball, chance for the Lions and take advantage.

Quick set right in the middle with the block.

Sends it back the other way.

That's two times in this first set.

McKinley James returns the center.

The All England just.

You need to clean up a little bit things, but it's hard to go up against a team like Hackett, who is just so experienced and has had this program a dominant program for a while now.

Sixth straight year there in the state finals, and they drop down in classification.

And another kill for on that right side.

So back to back losses in the three AA championship match and Hackett.

But because of the new enrollment cycle, they fall down a two way.

And they're back here.

Back for the back row.

And that one goes into the net.

Milton couldn't get it over.

Now it's set point number one for Hackett.

Leading 2410 here in the first.

Hackett Hornets are just I love how they play.

So they play very organized and they play very much together.

And that's been a key to the success that they had throughout the season.

That one attack goes long.

Decker couldn't get on top of that.

And they try to set the five to sophomore right in the middle.

And that one sails long to set point number two coming as Powell is going to drop back to serve for the Lions.

That serve goes long.

And set number one belongs to Hackett.

The Lady Hornets dominance in this opening set England going to have to try to settle the nerves to match the efforts from the Hornets.

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One.

Two three.

Hello.

What's going on in this?

Go?

We're back here inside Bank Oak Arena.

Hackett takes the opening sets.

Let's take a look at today's average GMC trivia.

Question four we have number two underway.

Who holds the state record for the most aces in a season?

I'll let you ponder on that.

Use the hashtag r PBA, Arkansas PBS.

And let's show the answer just a little bit.

No idea the answer to that one.

There might be a family tie into this match.

You never know.

It could be completely random.

Cierra Clark okay, go for it.

But that on the board and opens up set number two for the one.

Nothing lead but that one sails long.

Maybe sign out an England chance to serve and take the lead tonight.

It's the closest this has been in a.

Throughout the game.

Hackett jumped out to an early lead.

Took full control of set number one.

Maybe England settle the nerves here and get back in it here in the second set.

That attack that goes long.

Hackett was asking for a touch at the net.

They don't get the call.

So the attack from Mackenzie Freeman goes long.

England now the two one lead first first advantage of the afternoon.

And what England has to do is just really take advantage of these mistakes and not let Hackett go too far ahead of them.

Tipped their diving bodies.

Nice job by England to keep that point alive.

And it's really.

Reset the offense and just no answer for that from the back row Michael and Freeman with the kill.

This one's tied here.

Kenzie Freeman still leading with the.

It's Mackenzie and Mike in both of the kill leader board.

It's pretty much been the stat column all year long for these for that team Powell her attack that one though catches too much.

The tape falls on her side of the net.

So Hackett with back to back points there now in front three 213 kills Sara Sierra 14 kills for Hackett compared to just five for England so far.

Yeah, this Hackett team is just somebody that they're very inspiring to see, just because of how they're still very new to this championship era, and I'm excited to see kind of where they grow and how seeing this dominance with this group of upperclassmen players kind of trickles down to the rest of the community with younger players who maybe want to start volleyball.

That serve long from Freeman.

Yeah.

Another side out for England trailing four three.

Substitutions Felicity Harrison and now for England and Beth.

How long back to serve for the Lions.

Quick set there at tip handled by England.

They try and get it over.

Can't do so nice effort there from Moten.

No it's five three Hornets.

Penguin needs to get it just slightly a little bit over.

This is James now on the service line.

Yes he's England with the offense.

They set Powell.

It's handled by Hackett on the tip.

Try to catch England off guard A scramble.

Nice diving effort from Moten.

Keeps the play alive.

They go back to Freeman and Michael and hammers one home.

Yeah Freeman slammed that one down.

Kind of saw that England was a little bit all over the place and really took advantage of it.

Yeah that's the I guess the one disadvantage if you will.

You've got diving bodies sometimes you get out of position.

And that time Freeman took advantage.

And that's exactly what happened there.

Powell talk about taking advantage.

They quick set her right in the middle.

And that's dangerous.

Yeah.

Renee's Powell is someone that you gotta keep your eye on there.

She can get up high I'll show that right there was set up well.

And she gets up real high.

Not the tallest player but really can her her athleticism makes up for it well up.

Madison Henderson now in for England 14 on the program.

But we can write the name in pretty easily.

Free ball now for Hackett to take advantage of.

And they do again that's Michael and Freeman from the far left side goes crosscourt for the kill.

Yeah, she's making it look real easy there.

Spotted it and sent it right in the corner.

And the hack England players are known for kind of diving around, but it's hard to get around when you're on the floor.

Like you said.

Really good serve there.

That's an ace for Riley Decker.

The eight four now the lead for Hackett's.

And England is going to take a timeout.

Try to stuff this momentum.

Lady Hornets in control.

We'll see if we can get back into it.

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Have you ever GMC trivia question who holds the state record for most aces in the season?

Allen Freeman from Hackett, 129.

And you're asking yourself that name sounds familiar, right?

Yeah.

That's the older sister of the Freeman's that you're seeing on the floor.

Pretty impressive family there.

And Hackett so they can play some volleyball.

No question about it.

England trying to play some volleyball here today though.

They'll get back into this second set block there for England.

But they couldn't control it Avery Edwards couldn't keep that on it.

Hackett pushes that lead nine four.

Yeah that volleyball runs through the Freeman's veins.

No doubt softball to seven of these players on the roster for Hackett.

We're on that softball team that won a state championship.

As that's quickly put down Carly Reeser 510 sophomore.

Yeah.

McKenzie Freeman was named the softball tournament state state softball tourney MVP in and Lily Oxford, Michael and Freeman were also named all state and so is Morgan Coryell.

Not all state tournament team.

So lots of softball and volleyball.

Just women's sports at Hackett are doing great.

The attack from Renee Powell goes long.

So it's 11 for Hackett here in the second.

Lady Hornets have reeled off four consecutive points.

Another attack from Powell blocked at the net.

That's where that size for Hackett really comes into play.

They've been really tough at the net.

But that one though right into the net Edwards couldn't get it a cross point for England.

And that's where England kind of has to really step it up.

Is more on the defensive front because Hackett can absolutely.

They're very physical and can slam it down.

Foreign drops in perfectly right in front of the lunging Powell.

Another kill for the Lady Hornets.

They've got a 12 five advantage.

Now Renee Powell kind of trying to do a lot right now and might need her teammates to kind of help her out a little bit more.

So 12 five Hackett has a lead here in set number two a little miscommunication from England.

They get it over chance for Hackett to set the offense the pass the timing a little off there.

Hornets just keep it alive now the attack from Moten that one though blocked at the net there a little bit of confusion there to say point England that something that did get over and was blocked.

So the Lady Lions benefit from that call.

Yep.

Stormy Hamilton checks back in.

She's going to be on the service line for England.

Well six England looking to get back in here.

Set number two.

Set up Hamilton with the block there.

But it goes wide.

So the kill goes to Freeman 13 six.

Now the advantage.

That was a real nice one I England really tried to block that one.

But with Freeman it's hard to control those.

England trying to sets their offense.

They go for that back row.

They're asking for a touch at the line.

The net.

They don't get the call.

The attack from Edwards sails long.

Lily Oxford.

We haven't called her name much, but she's kind of that defensive specialist, if you will.

317 digs on the season for this Hackett team.

She's on serve.

And she's also committed to play some college volleyball as well at Christian Brothers University in Memphis.

Nice job there for England to keep the point alive.

Pass a little off the mark again.

The block there for England.

And now Freeman though she just drills it to the back line Powell can't handle it.

And they call it another kill her on the power of the Freeman sisters.

Yeah England needs to understand that you can't get everything.

And sometimes it's good to kind of get let some of them some of the balls go out.

In the category of not fair.

McLynn.

Freeman has nine attempts and ten kill, excuse me, ten attempts and nine kills and call it another one there.

Yeah.

So McKenzie Freeman with that kill, has eight Michael and has nine.

All is pretty balanced.

And with the attacks, McKenzie leads there and MacLean leads the kills.

So spreading the love that she.

And the block there as well.

So five.

Edwards nine.

James right there.

Set up the wall and send it back the other way.

Yeah, they've really showing how well they are defensively on any end of the court.

Just so tough when you line up and face a team that's got five, ten, six foot six, one, six one across the board.

Yeah, height is a huge thing.

Obviously in volleyball skill of course is important.

But it's the height.

And then combined with the skill that really just is the nail on the coffin.

So it's 17 seven touch there.

That's a tough play at the net.

Look like Kinley James got just enough of that.

Altered the flight path and a point for Hackett.

Katie Webb try to dive for it there.

But there's a little bit too quick.

Her attack that's going to sail wide over the media row.

And now it's 19 seven and start to see this one starting to slip away.

At least set number two is from England as the hacking onslaught is just unrelenting.

That serve it's goes long though.

So little sign out back over to England.

Just a little long.

There.

Moten plays the full rotation.

She dropped back to serve.

She's been active.

She's been all over the floor today.

Two kills a couple of assists, a dig.

Free ball now for Hackett.

Maybe they set the offense.

They go to the right side.

That one deflected at the net.

And that falls in either way Riley Decker credit to the five two sophomore with the kill.

It's like anyone on this team can you get a kill you you get a kill.

This team is.

They share the wealth.

No doubt 24 kills already make that 25 after that one.

And the first two sets that one.

Does this get over the tape.

And set to the outside.

Nice dig on the back row by Moulton.

They go to Powell a block was there but they couldn't handle it's release Powell another kill for England.

That's number six for her.

Now for Powell.

Just such an impressive player.

The way she just gets up there.

Show that to you again the set up for.

And then she gets it right over that strong defensive front from Hackett.

And Beth Hallam on the serve.

Now Hackett they go right back to Decker.

And again she puts it away 21 nine.

Yeah Hackett just making it look real easy here.

You put so much emphasis on trying to stop Mike Lynn and Mackenzie Freeman.

And all of a sudden Decker sneaks in and she's got a wide open space.

Yeah, they've worked really hard on kind of making sure all of their players can do everything.

Back and forth right at the net.

And a big swing attempt there for McLean.

And that one goes out.

Another kill for her.

It's double digits.

Ten kills on 12 attempts for McLean Freeman and.

Good call for Hackett on not trying to get that ball that was out of bounds.

Good corner awareness from the number one seed Powell right in the middle of that attack though a little too much on it.

Sails long.

And now Hackett two points away from taking a two nothing lead here in the two a state championship.

Yeah this Hackett team really wants it, especially after what happened in the past few times at the state championship.

That serve right into the net.

So it's 2310.

As you mentioned, Hackett fell in the title game in the last two years to Baptist Prep.

The Hackett drops down.

Baptist prep actually moved up because of the competitive equity factor.

So there they lost in the four.

A finals or semifinal excuse me for a final is going to be tonight prime time that kill Michael and Freeman again three and four championships coming up next five and 7:00 respectively.

It's nice job to recognize the blocks right there in front.

Take the angle from Freeman.

Now set point for Hackett.

Powell big swing on the right side.

That one deflected at the net.

Big kill for her in East Powell on her seventh.

As she doesn't want the set to end just yet.

She's really impressive.

It's a good foundation lead for the England program as I know that they'd love to keep her for another couple of years, but builder rules.

Senior, you got a graduate.

Can't redshirt in high school.

No Covid here.

Swing there.

Put down.

Kaylee Reeser gets the kill.

The sophomore.

So set number two goes to Hackett.

They take it 2511.

The Lady Hornets have a two nothing lead hour.

Looking for a sweep right here on Arkansas.

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We are going to start.

Stop.

Hacking has a two nothing lead here in this two state championship.

But let's take a quick break from the action and celebrate the Arkansas PBS student all star from class to eight.

It's Audrey Blair for Marshall, the outside senior hitter.

4.2 GPA or plans to go to the University of Central Arkansas and pursue a career in pediatric physical therapy.

So congratulations and kudos to Audrey Blair, the Arkansas PBS student all star.

All right, Sierra, let's put your coaching hat on for a moment.

If you're England, what do you have to do to get back in this match?

Really just kind of get everyone to step it up a little bit more.

I know we've seen Renee's Powell.

She's been absolutely dominant on the attack and trying to kind of have a little bit better court awareness on what's going on here.

A little bit more stronger in the front zone.

I want to I would like to see a little bit more defensive effort from England.

There as well, because the way Hackett's been able to get up and slam it down, it's been really hard to stop.

Gotta find a way to get back into it and certainly handle.

The attack of this onslaught that is the Hackett Hornets looking to finish off a perfect season at their currently 35 and zero.

And if you've watched any of those first two sets, you're starting to understand why that's the attack not only comes from Mike Allen or Mackenzie Freeman, but now you throw in the passing of Lily Oxford in there, the blocking abilities of Kinley, James and Riley Decker sprinkled in there.

It's it's really tough, but England's going to try to be up to the.

Task here and that serve catches a little bit of the nets rolls right over from Adriana moten.

And they've got an early one.

Nothing lead.

Yeah.

That was that was really encouraging to see them do that kind of.

They just seem to have really good awareness on where who's going to spike the ball and who's going to be aware of like the blocking on the other team as well.

England with the attack really nicely placed there giving a kill to Avery Edwards.

So the first two points to set number three go to England Lions not going quietly.

Oh they're not.

And that kind of just boost their confidence throughout the set.

They know they can put up two points then it's possible to hang on.

But when you have the Freeman's.

Mackenzie Freeman there Mackenzie Freeman with the attack and that stops them.

Any run from England and gets Hackett on the scoreboard here in this third set.

Just an extremely athletic player, which is really important for an outside hitter like her.

That went into the net.

So back to back points evens.

This set up at two apiece.

Powell she gives a free ball over to hack it.

Now.

Chance for the Hornets to get in.

System back to back points for Hackett.

Dug out on the back row.

But a little miscommunication after the nice dig that falls.

So Hornets with three consecutive points.

Definitely a frustrating moment for England there as they had a pretty decent start.

And then when things kind of get messed up due to lack of communication can get really frustrating.

Nice placement on the serve there from Edwards Powell.

Her attack dug out on the back side.

The tip there just couldn't get there in time.

So Riley Decker corrected with the kill.

More about the placement of that one.

Yeah real low to the ground and it's real hard to get to by Avery Edwards.

Four straight now for Hackett.

They leave it for two here in the third that serve.

They're going to go long.

So that ends the run.

And England chance to get back into it as Annabel Hallam going to drop back for serve.

Yeah this one a little bit closer so far in the set.

She's got a weather that early storm England hasn't been able to at this point in the first two sets.

But this again new set new life here.

No life there as Kinley James hammers one home.

Yeah.

Kinley James is a actually leading the team in blocks.

So great to see her also offensively.

127 kills.

She's going to be a part of the future.

You got to believe that junior.

That's right.

More and more players just keep coming in.

And Hackett they try to quick set Powell with the block and the aforementioned James right there in the middle.

And since that one back 44 blocks on the season coming into today for Kinley James Jones.

Excuse me.

And I think that tough schedule that Hackett has had just really boosted their confidence and letting them be able to relax in situations when they might be a little bit behind their like, okay, we have we can fall back on what we've done this season in order to kind of push us forward in every game.

We play a lot of Freeman, the timing a little bit off, but able to get just enough of it is McLean and and just off the fingertips of the blocking down for the kill.

Yeah, I made it look really easy right off the fingertips.

Just kind of having that great ball placement, knowing how to send it down the.

That's Felicity Harrison there with the attempts for England.

Back over now to Hackett.

Freeman.

She drives one home Michael and Freeman starting to warm up here in set number three.

Grab the junior outside hitter.

She's already committed.

We talked about this early to Division one and Tulsa and of course her sisters going there.

And it's going to be interesting to see those two playing at the University of Tulsa, but in different sports because they've played on the same teams for so long and they're only 13 months apart.

So it'll be interesting to see, them at the college level, but I'm sure they'll do great.

Another kill there.

And of course from Hackett, the Tulsa not too far of a drive, but Fort Smith jump on the interstate and maybe hit the turnpike in Muskogee.

That one's out though the serve.

So Hackett's lead cut the nine for.

Moten again going to be on the service line for England.

Correction and a rotation change.

Madison Henderson.

Another thing about having such a program that's been dominant for years, as you get more players to come out for the team.

And Hackett also still fairly new, but they have a larger roster than England.

And so that gives you kind of the advantage of being able to substitute players.

Rather, when you have a brand new program, you're you're using the same athletes over and over again that can cause fatigue.

Or if someone's hurt, then it can get a lot tougher.

Net violation there on Powell.

That's why it goes over to Hackett and call it an ace for the Hornets.

Haven't seen many of those today.

Go the way of England's after the 10th ace already for Hackett.

And England's going to take a timeout.

Try to settle things down and get back in.

Set number three.

Hackett looking for a championship.

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Hackett has scored seven six of the last seven points here in set number three, and that's why they've got 11 four advantage.

Looking to add to that here's Kenley James is on the serve line.

It's Riley Decker elevates and gets the block at the net.

Yeah she made that one look easy I mean everything that Hackett does looks so effortless.

They're they're continuing on that scoring run.

Make it seven of eight now for Hackett.

Really nice piece there from Avery Edwards.

Yeah that was real nice to see.

Real refreshing to see England still kind of in it.

By far their most impressive offensive attack here in this set.

Get Edwards going would be a nice feather in the cap to go alongside Powell.

Really good serve there from Powell.

That's an ace for England.

Just her second of the match so far.

So back to back points for Lions.

Yeah that was Powell.

Fun player to watch because she's she can do a lot of things on this court.

That serve handled much better from Hackett.

But a little miscommunication on the bad pass and free ball.

And England got a chance to put together a run here.

That one can't be handled by Hackett.

So three consecutive points now for England.

The Lions are hanging around.

All of a sudden it's 12 seven.

Yeah great effort by England.

They're kind of reading the reading on the opposite side of the court and figuring out where to send that ball over.

That serve well handled poorly again by Hackett.

But they do get it over.

They're going to try to feed the hot hand in Edwards for England.

Couldn't put it down.

That one hits the pin.

And so that's out of bounds.

Another point for England four consecutive now for the Lions 12 eight.

Yeah Hackett needs to keep it a little bit more controlled in order to continue that run that they had earlier.

Touched on that gets it over for Hackett.

But that attack from England sails well long.

So the run stops at for.

Haven't seen Hackett take a time out.

Yeah.

But I thought maybe if England could put one down they may think about it.

Coach Freeman and company.

Yeah I think she trusts her team to kind of get it figured out as we're still on the.

Middle part of the set.

13 a chance for Hackett to get in the offense battle at the net there.

That one doesn't get all the way across.

And Moulton misplayed it.

A touch and point for Hackett now pushes that lead back up to six at 14 eight.

Yeah, that's just something that England would need to just clean up a little bit more, a little bit more, make a little bit less of those mistakes that they've had.

Good serve placement there and England can't handle it on a point for Hackett.

So four straight for England quickly turned into three consecutive for Hackett.

That leads now ballooned back up the 715 to 8.

And I still just love England's effort there.

Trying to get to those low balls and dive all over the court.

But it's hard to kind of, again, move around and be more mobile when you're doing that.

Yeah, that one that can't be dug out goes out of bounds.

And England's going to take a timeout is four straight now for Hackett.

Push the lead back up to eight.

But we'll stay here is Hackett has got a 16 eight lead I've got a big shout out.

You know these stats I can't write them down as we go.

We've got to get big of a round of applause for a man Troy Mitchell and his crew.

They always do a great job for the Arkansas Activities Association here.

Us at Arkansas PBS are keeping the stats as a good look at Troy.

They've been doing stats for 20 years for the triple A guy volunteers his time countless hours.

So kudos to Troy Mitchell.

Really appreciate all his work on the state finals.

If you don't want to follow the stats along, you can do so.

Just go to triple A stat Broadcast.com live stats all year long provided by that man right there.

Troy Mitchell and Company.

Speaking of those stats, take a look at them.

Hackett's got 36 kills compared to England's 13 9 to 2 for England.

I mean that's really the story of the game here.

You know the offensive onslaught for Hackett.

It's almost too much for England.

Yeah, it's hard to stop and it's looking at the individual players.

The Hackett players are all over the place.

I mean it's just mostly Renee Powell on the England side that would be on the stat sheet, but it's all you know.

McKay Michael and Freeman McKenzie Freeman Caitlin Edwards.

Lily Oxford.

Just everyone just all over those boards, which is shows just how dominant this Hackett team and how versatile they are.

That attack goes long for England.

They've taken both time out so they can't do anything but stop the momentum with their play.

Just have to keep swinging, keep attacking.

Nice job Edwards there in the kill Avery Edwards came to play today.

Yeah five for ten kill over the afternoon.

I've liked her effort as well.

So it's 17 nine Hackett in front.

Hamilton on serve now for England.

Quick set there can't be dug out.

That's Michael and Freeman with the kill.

That's number 16 for her.

Yeah.

She's been absolutely dominant right there.

She just has such a great way of setting the ball up and sending it down.

Does not struggle to get on top of the volleyball and certainly does hammers at home more times than not hitting percentage 750 today.

That is astronomical.

Great effort there by Edwards.

But back to McKenzie Freeman.

She takes a little off.

Just finds the open space.

So McKenzie Freeman now with nine kills quickly Hackett's pushed that lead back up to double digits.

It's 19 nine.

Yeah McKenzie Freeman just has a really good eye for where to send it.

And that's been really refreshing to see as her and her athleticism and her just the way how hard she hits the ball but controls it at the same.

Time couldn't handle that serve.

And so it was just easy pickings there for McKenzie Freeman at the net.

And she just elevates and easily puts it down with two hands for safety.

You start your countdown.

Hackett five points away from a two way state championship.

England gets it over.

Hackett going to set the offense.

Tip attempt by Edwards snuffed out.

Reset.

Freeman again tries to find the line and she does a big kill right down the line.

McKenzie Freeman.

Yeah, that was a perfect spotting by her.

Right on that line.

Just too tough for anyone from England to kind of get that.

You see where she slams it?

Right there.

Perfect spotting.

With tries to set Hallam on the far side.

Look out from Hackett after the block though.

From England shows up.

Yeah great block.

Hallam the senior.

The great block.

You know this team does have a lot of seniors from England.

But some of them didn't start playing volleyball as early as some other athletes were.

So it's really nice to kind of see these players come together in this fairly new program.

The block again shows up for England.

That time it was 13.

Adrianna moten.

So back to back blocks for the England defense.

Now they're not backing down.

2111 A long way to go.

Like now.

Freeman with her attack.

Go the far side.

It's Moten blocked at the net.

England's going to reset.

Trying to go Powell on the back row.

And it's deflected at the net as well.

Now Hackett with a chance to get into their system.

Freeman with the tip.

Try to go to the tip.

And that's not going to happen.

That one though.

Caught.

Got some of the pin.

Either way it's going to be out.

And Hackett gets the point.

One of the longest rallies we've seen here in set number three.

Yeah definitely one of the longer rallies here.

A little bit.

Lack of ball control from England as Hackett kind of just coming down here.

Three points away now for the Lady Hornets.

For the back row pals right there though.

That makes the play Edwards now for England.

She gets it across.

Tip attempt not there for Hackett.

James her attack couldn't be dug out but England keeps the play alive.

Nice hustle.

Play on the back row for England.

Nice effort by Powell again.

Dug out nicely but just 123 in the back row for England.

Doing the job here on this point.

That one deflected at the net.

By far the best point of this Championship match.

At the net.

Moten finally gets the point.

Drives it through the block.

Really impressive play.

On both sides.

It was a great rally right there on both sides like you said.

And then just the way that England communicated seems like they're starting to click a little bit more now.

2212 still a long way to go, but maybe that can give them some momentum.

Quick set in the middle and hammers.

Freeman hammers at home for Mackenzie.

Yeah Mackenzie Freeman with Caitlin Michael and Freeman.

Those who just trade back and forth on the kills.

But Michael and of course leading right now was 16.

An ace perfectly place and now it's championship point for Hackett.

This one's been three years in the making.

Thought they had a chance two years ago with and again last year to win A3A title.

And Hackett finally has a chance to to claim the ultimate prize.

It's been a long time coming for this team and sure, they're definitely excited for this.

Bring bring back those nice trophies.

Silver wins nice and all, but when the gold one's up for grabs you want to take that one.

That serve went long though.

So it's set point Championship point number two.

It's 2413.

Hallam on serve now.

Hackett chance to get the offense and put it away.

Here the kill and there it is.

Hackett finally on top.

They win the two way state championship.

At dog bowls.

But something they've been waiting for for three years.

And that's a long time.

You know coming to the state championship all the time and just not getting that crown.

It's just something.

So when it's finally yours, that moment is definitely sweet.

No matter what the classification, no matter how tough your season was, winning a state championship in any sport is so special.

That group of seniors has been through a lot.

They finally win a state championship.

Oxford Hulbert styles for you Oliver Nemeth and Freeman.

They have all been battling winning for a title.

And they finally they're going to get that trophy in just a minute.

We'll step aside.

Trophy presentations coming up.

You've been watching the Centennial Bank State Volleyball Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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And I think ever does a great job making sure they have a.

And we're back.

State runner up.

Trophy presented it to England right there.

And a job well done on an excellent season.

Finished 19 and eight.

I mentioned they finished second in their conference, but they bounced back.

Won the regional championship, advance all the way here to the state championship match in just their sixth year of existence.

But they just ran into a buzzsaw.

And I'll go ahead and say it.

Probably the best team in the state of Arkansas.

Perfect 36.

And oh, Nick Lasker with the triple AA going to hand him the trophy that they came for the two way state championship trophy heading back to Sebastian County and the Hackett Lady Hornets.

Yeah, and going back to England.

You can tell they're, you know, a lot of teams when they get the silver.

Very disappointing and whatnot.

But it seems like England is very just proud of making it all the way here.

And Hackett of course they've faced that disappointment year after year.

And so for them to finally get that championship, especially with all the seniors they have, like McKenzie Freeman and all these athletes that, you know, have seen success in softball with volleyball is really where they wanted to see it again.

And so very great to see them win that championship.

So let's take a look at the stats from today's match.

And it was really one sided as the just the attack from this two teams as Michael and Freeman.

They in the state tournament MVP.

Take a look at the numbers from today.

This impressive all the way around.

You look at the kills for Hackett 42 for the Lady Hornets.

Just 15 for England.

And the hitting percentage.

That kind of speaks for itself.

And that's what the size and the block ability really came into play for Hackett.

Absolutely.

That hitting percentage just something.

And when everyone on the Hackett team can just do that, it just, you know, if someone as a bit of a down someone that someone else can step it up, which is really nice to see and also the blocking as well.

But the digs I mean defensively they've been really dominant in this game.

Seven blocks, ten aces go along with those 42 kills and a hitting percentage of almost five under.

That's why Hackett is considered by many of the best team in the state of Arkansas.

Perfect 36 and zero, their first championship since 2020.

And it's been something they've been working hard for.

And they cap off that perfect season.

They look at seeing how things kind of panned out today, as you can see the emotion coming over this Hackett team after losing it on this floor.

Back to back years is tough.

And all that hard work finally paid off for a really talented group of seniors.

Again.

England put up a fight.

The future is going to be certainly bright for that program.

Well, what can you say about this Hackett squads here?

Oh, this Hackett squad.

I mean, we just saw the emotion.

They're just so happy for them.

They they remember it's losing last year and just how they're able to step it up offensively.

Defensively they kind of looked at what the mistakes they've made in the past.

And then not only in this game but this championship was won throughout the season.

I mean they were perfect all year, which is very hard to say.

They've played some tough teams.

And so like you said, they've proven why they're arguably the best team in the state.

So three championship down two to go here inside Bank Oak Arena.

Next up the three AA state volleyball championship going to tip off first serve coming up a little after 5:00.

The Paris Lady Eagles back here in the Championship for the first time in a few years looking for a title, taking on Central Arkansas Christian.

A first finals appearance ever for CAC.

So that's coming up at 5:00 to three AA state championships.

So don't go anywhere for Cierra Clark.

I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for tuning in.

Stick around.

5:00 first serve coming up with that free AA title game.

You've been watching the Centennial Bank State Volleyball Championship presented by Everett Buick.

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