Sikeston volleyball cruises past Malden on Senior Night

Sikeston's Kirsten Fairhurst tries to hit the ball past Malden's Angela Dobbins Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at the Sikeston Field House. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

The Sikeston Bulldogs rolled to their third-straight win in as many nights with a 3-0 sweep of Malden Thursday at the Sikeston Field House.

Sikeston raced out to a 9-1 lead in the opening set, building as much as a 11-point lead before winning the set 25-17.

In the second set, Sikeston held a 9-5 lead before closing out the set with a 16-3 finish to win 25-8.

The third set was more of the same, with the Bulldogs winning going away 25-15.

“I was very proud of how we played,” said Sikeston coach Chelsie Holifield. “It made for a fun senior night. I know our seniors wanted their last home game to be a great memory and I'm so glad that it was.”

There were six seniors who were honored before the game.

“I got to coach the majority of them as 8th graders and it's very cool that I get to see them out as seniors now so many years later,” Holifield said

The seniors honored were:

Shania Hodges: “She has always been a force at the net,” Holifield said. “Her blocking and hitting always get the team fired up. I am so incredibly proud of her and I can't wait to see what she does next.”

Lydia Couch: “She is one of the best leaders on and off the floor and has made an amazing team captain,” Holifield said. “She has always led by action and has led our team defensively this season.”

Reese Steward: “Reese didn't start playing until her sophomore year and she has developed into one of our most reliable hitters and blockers,” Holifield said. “Her hard work, dedication, and wonderful attitude have paid off. There have been so many games where we've fed her the ball as much as possible because we knew she would take care of it and play smart. She is a great leader on and off the court.”

Ava Alcorn: “She has done a great job filling in for outside hitters and keeping everyone positive. She took some time off from volleyball and came back as a sophomore and I'm so glad she did,” Holifield said.

Kirsten Fairhurst: “She is one the most talented athletes I've ever coached,” Holifield said. “She is so fast and can jump very high. She is an extremely consistent player who can play all around. Absolutely love having her around.”

Tori Folsom: “She is the best libero I've ever coached,” Holifield said. “She is the hardest worker and is a phenomenal defender. She can play anywhere on the court and read hitters well. She will be very missed.”

Sikeston (11-15-2) will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Kennett.