by Jamie Harris
The Paw Paw High School Lady Pirates volleyball team, along with the middle school squad, hit the courts for a full slate of games this past week, showing grit, determination and growth against tough competition.
On Tuesday, September 9, both teams traveled north to Salisbury, Pa., for an evening of volleyball. The varsity Lady Pirates went the distance in a thrilling five-set battle before falling just short, 2–3 (18-25, 25-17, 17-25, 27-25, 12-15).
Sophia Ross led the varsity effort with 12 service points, 2 aces, and 3 kills. Kyndal Corbett was a force with 11 service points, 6 aces and 7 kills, while Lydia Ross chipped in 9 service points, 6 aces and 1 kill. Shayla Tanouye powered through with 7 service points, 5 aces and a team-high 13 kills. Abby Williams and Alexis Kidwell each added 2 service points. 
“What a game! The girls hustled all night,” the coaching staff said of the effort.
The middle school squad had their own moment to shine, pulling off a comeback win over Salisbury, 2–1 (14-25, 25-20, 25-14). Jade Blanque served up 12 points, while Madison White followed with 10. Sarai Nunes-Armes added 6 points, with Aubri Paul and Audrey Weaver each posting 5. Athena Brandenburg chipped in 1.
“When you come from a small school, there is always a challenge to field a team,” the coach shared. “I am super proud of these six girls—they have seen some tough volleyball and they continue to improve.”
The middle schoolers returned home on Wednesday to host Capon Bridge Middle. Despite strong effort, the Lady Pirates fell 0–2 (17-25, 12-25). Sarai Nunes-Armes and Aubri Paul each tallied 4 points, with Jade Blanque, Madison White, and Audrey Weaver each adding 3.
Meanwhile, the varsity Lady Pirates were back on the road Thursday night, traveling to Moorefield for another five-set thriller. The Pirates fought hard but fell in another nail-biter, 2–3 (20-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20, 8-15).
Abby Williams led the charge with 15 service points, 2 aces, and 5 kills, while Sophia Ross contributed 14 points, 6 aces and 4 kills. Corbett remained steady with 12 points, 5 aces and a kill. Nikki Dick added 4 points, 2 aces and Shayla Tanouye dominated at the net with 18 kills.
“This game was intense! I am so proud of these girls. They never backed down and continued to battle,” said head coach Holly Palmer.
The Lady Pirates and middle school teams will look to build on their strong play as they continue their seasons, proving that Paw Paw volleyball is packed with fight and heart.
