Fayetteville residents celebrated a major high‑school sports triumph on Saturday night when the Lady Bulldogs secured the Class 6A volleyball state championship, beating the Springdale Har‑Ber Lady Wildcats in three sets, 27‑25, 25‑21, 25‑22, at Bank OZK Arena, according to NWA Online.
Coach Kele Luigs praised her squad’s composure throughout the tightly contested match. “I think we knew from the beginning it would be a battle,” Luigs said, adding that the team’s confidence helped them close out each set despite early deficits.
The Bulldogs, now 31‑1‑1 on the season, rallied from a 24‑21 deficit in the opening set, erasing a set point before clinching the set 27‑25. They faced a similar challenge in the second set, trailing 16‑15 before pulling ahead with a three‑point run. In the third set, after a 21‑21 deadlock, junior middle blocker Kenzy Hogue sparked a decisive 4‑1 spurt, securing the final set.
Junior middle blocker Kenzy Hogue delivered a team‑best 13 kills, hit .500 with a single error, and recorded five blocks, including four solo blocks. Kassidy Lucas added 12 kills, while libero Eva McPike contributed 10 digs. Tournament Most Valuable Player Molly Miller, a committed Duke recruit, tallied 39 assists and a team‑best 10 digs, underscoring the Bulldogs’ all‑around performance.
For Har‑Ber, sophomore Beaux Cameron posted a match‑high 18 kills and 12 digs, right‑side hitter Blakeley Pryor added 13 kills, and setter Reese Davis dished out 44 assists. Har‑Ber coach Sophie Simmons noted the Bulldogs’ net play, particularly Hogue’s impact, as a key factor in the outcome.
The victory marks Fayetteville’s ninth state title in volleyball, including a streak of four consecutive championships from 2020‑2023. The Bulldogs finished the season on a 17‑match winning streak, following a 1‑1 tie against Carthage, Mo., on September 26. Their only loss of the season came a month earlier, when Har‑Ber defeated them in straight sets.
“It’s been something we’ve worked really hard for, and I’ve worked since freshman year,” MVP Miller said. “Bringing it home against Har‑Ber, which has been such a tough team for us this year, is a really special time.”
What’s next: The Lady Bulldogs will conclude their season with a celebratory rally at Fayetteville High School on Monday evening. The team will also host a community appreciation event next Thursday at the school gym, where fans can meet the players and receive autographed memorabilia.
Sources: nwaonline.com
