HALLSVILLE, Texas – The Maud Lady Cardinals volleyball program added a historic milestone on Tuesday, as junior outside hitter Leah Pemberton
Milestone performance
Pemberton’s 1,000‑kill mark underscores a career already filled with impressive numbers. She entered the Carlisle match with 512 kills for the season, 70 aces and 75 blocks, demonstrating her impact on both offense and defense. “She is a big part of our offense and even our defense as well on the block,” head coach Cory Fothergill told the Gazette.
Team effort fuels success
The Lady Cardinals have been a top‑10 program in the Texas Girls Coaches Association rankings all season. After a historic bi‑district win earlier in the playoffs, the area title against Carlisle marked the program’s first ever playoff victory. The win also highlighted the depth of the roster. Teammate Keira Mangtamag contributed 714 assists this season, surpassing 1,200 career assists, while adding 71 aces and 325 digs.
Supporting the attack, Emily Pemberton tallied 144 kills, Maysun Sanders added 115, and Kaydence Endsley contributed 98. Sanders recorded 274 digs, and Endsley posted 239 digs, showing the team’s balanced play across the court. Additional contributors included Emily Pemberton’s 26 blocks and Lexi Tigue’s 46 aces.
Looking ahead
With a current ranking of eighth in the 2A Division II poll, the Lady Cardinals will face Hemphill in the regional semifinal. The team still has a senior season left for Pemberton to add to her already remarkable statistics, and the coaching staff is confident the program will continue to build on its recent successes.
Coach Fothergill praised the collective effort, noting that the season’s achievements are the result of “hard work, discipline, and a commitment to family values both on and off the court.” The program’s emphasis on character, teamwork, and community involvement aligns with the traditions of Hallsville families and the broader ArkLaTex region.
Fans are encouraged to attend the upcoming regional semifinal and continue supporting the Lady Cardinals as they strive for a state championship run.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
