The Red Bay Tigers will enter their second season under coach Elizabeth Scott. The Tigers went 15-14 last year. Scott said she hopes the Tigers can start strong this year and continue the momentum throughout the season.

“We started strong last season, with a 5-0 record the first week of play, but steadily declined in motivation and could not overcome tough losses,” explained Scott.

“My expectations for our team is to play to the best of our ability, overcome obstacles and win or lose with dignity,” Scott continued. “We have our focus on winning the area tournament and once we reach our goal, we will set our focus on a new goal.”

Scott said the mentality to have a strong season begins in practice and off-season workouts.

“Our team is working hard to meet expectations and the goals we have for this season by putting our full minds and hearts into each practice, giving as much effort as possible, day in and day out, to prepare for the teams we will face,” she added.

Gracie Weatherford will be the outside hitter.

“Gracie has a lengthy volleyball history and is one of our leaders on the court,” said Scott. “Gracie has been out, healing from an ankle injury, most of the summer. She is back on the court and working hard to improve physically and mentally.”

“Our starting setter, Addyson Blackburn, is a tenth grader,” Scott explained. “She has a high volleyball IQ and puts in the hours to improve each game. Haidyn Emerson is our middle, returning from last season. She is reliable at the net for tips and passes to our setter. Anna Kate Burks is coming back as a hitter and has experience playing multiple positions on the court. A player we will heavily rely on this season is our libero, Kyla Blackburn. She is coming to varsity from junior varsity. Kyla doesn’t lack hustle. She is strong on the back row and will definitely dig any ball in her area.”

Scott said she believes if her team can “gel and play together,” they can have a good season.

“A big challenge this season will be learning to play together,” she continued. “We have several players coming from junior varsity, making their debut on the varsity roster. I have witnessed their trust in each other build over the summer and season practice. I am excited to see them grow as a team and experience many wins together.”

Red Bay is in Class 2A Area 10 with Lamar County and Sulligent.

Roster

*#15 Gracie Weatherford

*#28 Raegan Gordon

*#27 Haidyn Emerson

*#8 Anna Kate Burks

*#1 Addyson Blackburn

*#4 Aryana Neighbors

*#7 Kyla Blackburn LIBERO

#3 Calleigh Stacy

#23 Anna Richardson

Schedule

8/22- Home Itawamba and Tharptown JV (Itawamba) and V (Tri-Match)  4:00 5:00 6:00 and7:00

8/27-  Home Vina JH and JV @ 4:30

8/29- Home Sulligent JH JV and V 4:30 5:30 6:30

9/03- Colbert Heights Quad Match JV

09/05 Home – Belmont JH, JV, and V @ 4:30 5:30 and 6:30

9/09 at Hamilton JH Tri Match with Russellville and V Tri Match with Rusellville both start at 4:30

09/12 at Sulligent JH, JV, and V @4:30 5:30 and 6:30

* 09/14 at Belgreen Bulldog Bash JH JV and V

09/17 at Tharptown Tri-Match with Mars Hill JH and V @ 4:30

09/19 at Hackleburg with Russellville JH Tri-Match @ 4:30

09/21 Invitational at Hamilton

09/24- Home Lamar County JV (L.C) and V Tri-Match with and L.C and Phil Campbell @ 4:30 5:30 6:30 and 7:30

09/26 – Away Vina JH and JV @ 4:30

*09/28 Home – JH and JV County Tournament

09/30- at Belgreen JH JV and V @ 4:30 5:30 and 6:30

10/01- at Belmont JV and V 5:00 and 6:00

10/03 at Lamar County JV and V @ 4:30 and 5:30

*10/05 Varsity County Tournament @ Tharptown

10/07 Home Belgreen JH JV and V @ 4:30 5:30 and 6:30 (Senior Night)