The Recorder on October 30, 2025
BUENA VISTA — The Highland Rams went to Parry McCluer a little shorthanded Monday night.
But it gave head coach Beth McGuire some confidence and a glimpse of the future headed to the offseason and next fall.
The Fighting Blues topped Highland, 25-12, 25-13, 25-18, in the first round of the Pioneer District volleyball tournament.
The Rams played the match with a majority of junior varsity players due to a school trip.
Brooke Williams had two kills and three blocks, Adelaide Baxter added two kills and five digs, Eleanor White had four aces, Amelia Good had 12 digs and Makynley Smith had five digs.
Highland finished the season with a record of 7-14.
“Our district record did not show how hard these girls worked on the court this year,” McGuire said. “The seven games we won did.
“We are going to miss Colleen (Adams), Sarah (Liller), Ava (Summers), Kylie (Arbogast), Emma (Brower) and Paula (Gomez) next year,” she added. “I’m sad we didn’t get to continue in postseason play, but I’m excited for the offseason. Now that this is over we’re looking forward to next year. We have a lot of great things planned to keep these girls playing throughout the year and I’m certain it will show next season.”
Craig County topped Highland to close the regular season last Thursday in a close five-setter, 25-18, 27-25, 24-26, 19-25, 17-15.
Brooklyn Bussard had 11 kills, 16 digs, eight assists and four aces for Highland, while Adams added 18 digs, 10 assists, nine kills and seven aces.
Other Ram leaders included Ali Veasey with 21 digs and seven kills, Brower with 19 digs and six kills, Anna Meehan with 13 digs and Liller with nine digs.
The Rams will host their annual “Volleyball Pink Out Night” next Friday at 6 p.m. at HHS. The team will face a group of coaches and alumni to raise money for the fight against cancer. Baked goods will be sold, a freewill donation will be collected and games and prizes will be available for fans.
The Highland junior varsity team finished the season with a 25-23, 25-14 victory at Craig County last Thursday.
The Rams had a 9-5 record, 4-4 in the Pioneer District.
Good had 12 digs, 10 aces and three kills for the winners. Smith added eight digs and five assists, Lalea Mullins had 10 digs and three aces, White had six digs and five aces, Williams had five kills and four aces and Hensley Neil added seven digs.
“This season has been nothing short of inspiring for our volleyball girls,” said HHS JV coach Haley Terry. “Their strength, determination and passion for the game have been unmatched. From the first serve to the final point, these girls gave everything they had, proving that heart and hard work can overcome any challenge.
“Ending the season with our standing fills me with pride and gratitude for all they’ve poured into this year,” she added. “Our community should be so proud of these athletes and all they’ve accomplished together. I’m already looking forward to summer camps and the excitement of welcoming new young talent to our JV team next season. The future of this program is shining bright.”