by Hobert Delph
The Morgan County Pigtail Ponytail Volleyball League kicked off its first-ever season this past Sunday, September 7, with an opening day filled with close matches, long rallies and impressive serving runs. The three league teams — Volley Llamas, Royal Spikers and Hard Hitters — each hit the court twice, and in fitting fashion for the inaugural event, all three matches went the full three sets. By day’s end, each team finished with a 1–1 record.
Game 1: Royal Spikers vs. Volley Llamas
The league’s first match saw the Royal Spikers edge out the Volley Llamas in three sets.
In the opener, Paisley Stotler’s four-point serving streak helped the Spikers pull away for a 15–7 win. The Llamas battled back in the second set, led by strong serving runs from Mia Kidwell (five straight) and Emily Slifer (three straight).
Bailey Husk sealed the set with two clutch serves to even the match. In the deciding set, Stotler struck again with five straight points, followed by Grace Cook’s own five-point run, giving the Spikers a 15–6 victory and the first match win in league history.
Game 2: Hard Hitters vs. Royal Spikers
The Hard Hitters and Spikers squared off in another three-set battle.
The opening set was a nail-biter, tied 13–13 before Mary Boyer closed it out with two straight serves for the Hard Hitters. The Spikers answered quickly, riding five-point runs from Grace Cook and Amelia Burgess to claim the second set 15–5.
In the tiebreaker, Jolene Perry sparked the Hard Hitters with a five-point streak, and Boyer once again finished the job, securing the 15–6 set and match win.
Game 3: Volley Llamas vs. Hard Hitters
The final match of the day showcased grit and resilience from both sides.
In the first set, Kidwell fueled the Llamas with a five-point run, and with the score tied at 13, Sadie Smith delivered the final two serves to secure the win.
The Hard Hitters bounced back in set two, behind serving streaks from Andi Michael (five points) and Boyer (four points), cruising to a 15–5 win.
In the decisive set, both teams traded points until Kidwell stepped up once again, serving the final ball for a 15–11 Llamas victory.
A historic start
With each team finishing 1–1 on the day, Opening Day proved the league’s balance and competitiveness. From long rallies to clutch serves, the Morgan County Pigtail Ponytail League’s debut set the stage for an exciting season ahead — and a memorable first chapter in the program’s history.
ROYAL SPIKERS: Front row, left to right: Paisley Stotler, Rowan King and Ellie Powell. Back row: Coach Renee Webber, Grace Cook, Arabella Kelley, Amelia Burgess, Aria Smith and Coach Deadrah Martin. photos by Lindsay Kesner
VOLLEY LLAMAS: Front row, left to right: Sadie Smith and Charlotte Stotler. Back row Coach Ashley Hovermale, Bailey Husk, Mia Kidwell, Emily Slifer, Coach Danielle Swisher. Not pictured Gracie Gloyd and Harper Thompson.
HARD HITTERS: Front row, left to right: Willa Mencer and Emma Delph. Second row: Jolene Perry, Evie Haber, Mary Boyer, Greenlee Bergan, Andi Micheal and Arabella Gloyd. Back row: Coaches Lindsay Kesner and Bethany Bergen.
