CLINTON — The Clinton High School Lady Maroons volleyball team had a couple of important late season games this past week and the pressure to win these special games at home had to be tough.  

On October 12, the team had its “Volley for the Cure” games in support of a cure for breast cancer, and October 16 was senior night for those graduating.

The “Volley for the Cure” was first on the agenda against the Meridian Lady Hawks.  The Lady Hawks came to Clinton looking for an easy sweep of matches.  The night began in Meridian’s favor with the freshman team winning two straight sets and the match.  However, things changed when the junior varsities took to the court.  

There were two good sets with Clinton winning both and taking the match 2-0.  This was just the start of the upset.  

As the varsities appeared on court, so did the media (who had been invited by Meridian).  As if on cue, the Lady Maroons took command of the first set with Delaney Woodbury leading off serving six straight points for a Clinton 6-0 lead that was never in jeopardy.  

The Lady Maroons struggled some in the second set but were able to fight through their mental errors to win this set also, 2-0.  The Lady Maroons were once again on the victory side, plus raising money for cancer awareness.  

Along with the volleyball this night, there was also a speech by Mrs. John Hayden on being a cancer survivor, a silent auction, a bake sale, and a chili cook-off.  A great night on the court and in the commons.

Next up on the home court was senior night on October 16.  There were six seniors on this year’s team. and they were an integral part of the team.  The seniors were Madison Filkin, Rose Gehres, Olivia Sanders, Alyssa Saulsbery, Sophie Waters, and Maggie Werts.  

The freshman team began the evening by splitting their sets with the Argenta-Oreana Lady Bombers, 17-25 and 25-23.  The Maroons junior varsity (JV) then took the court in a lead-up to the senior night festivities.  The JV team also had a battle on their hands with the Lady Bombers as the home team took the first set 25-16, but lost the second set 25-22.  

This brought on the final deciding set, won by the Lady Maroons in a close foray, 15-11.  Next, between matches, the Lady Maroon senior players (and their families) were introduced to the fans present for the evening.  

The Lady Maroons then appeared on the court to face the Lady Bombers in a well- contested match.  The teams battled tough in the first set, which included several good volleys, but the Lady Maroons held on to win 25-22.  This led into the second set, which was even closer than the first.  

The mettle of the home team was greatly tested, however, the Lady Maroons didn’t waver in their goal to send the senior girls out on a winning note by taking this set 26-24.