SOUTH MISS 6 SPORTS

Prep Volleyball Playoffs: Lady Greyhounds open defense of state title Tuesday night

A volleyball player in a white jersey and black shorts is diving to receive a volleyball during a match, with teammates watching in the background.
Ocean Springs libero Alden St. Amant digs out a shot vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

OCEAN SPRINGS — The prep volleyball state playoffs for the three largest classifications tip off Tuesday night.

And that puts defending Class 7A state champ Ocean Springs center stage.

The Lady Greyhounds open defense of their state title hosting Petal in the opening round of the Class 7A South State playoffs. Ocean Springs sits a solid 29-8 overall entering the postseason, after finishing a perfect 12-0 once again in Region.3-7A play.

A volleyball player in a blue jersey jumps to hit the ball over the net while another player in a black jersey attempts to block the shot during a game.
Ryleigh Register of Ocean Springs stretches out for a kill vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player in a blue uniform attempts to spike the ball over the net while two defenders in black uniforms jump to block the shot.
Taylor Douglas of Ocean Springs leaps for a shot vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

“It brings mixed emotions,” OSHS head coach Christina Daigle said,,on the eve of the start of the playoffs, “I can’t help but look ahead and get excited for the opportunity to have another historic year for our program, potentially winning back-to-back titles; however, I know we have to stay grounded and focus on one game at a time. Being defending champions puts a target on our backs, so we are committed to “being where our feet are” and not overlooking any opponent. As we approach the postseason, it’s not just about winning the game, but winning the right way and maintaining our level of play. If we can stay locked in to playing our game, I feel confident we can compete for another State Title.”

Ocean Springs is coming off a big road sweep of another defending state champ last week to wrap up the regular season. Daigle’s crew went to Bay St. Louis and swept OLA 3-0 last week.

A volleyball player in a blue uniform prepares to hit a volleyball during a game, with fans and team members visible in the background.
Maggie Noblitt of Ocean Springs returns a shot vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A volleyball player in a blue jersey with the number 10 is preparing to set the ball, while another player in the background, wearing a blue jersey, is ready to receive. The gymnasium is filled with spectators.
Baylor Edmiston of Ocean Springs sets up a shot for Ryleigh Register vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)

The Lady Greyhounds have secured home-court advantage throughout the South State playoffs. A win over Petal would allow OSHS to host the survivor of the West-Harrison-Oak Grove match Thursday night in round two.

Elsewhere in the “Southern Six” Tuesday night, also in Class 7A South, Northwest Rankin travels to Gulfport and Harrison Central heads to Brandon.

In Class 6A, George County hosts Gautier, while Hancock hosts Jackson Forrest Hill and Picayune hosts Hattiesburg. Also, Long Beach travels to West Jones.

In Class 5A, Vancleave hosts Brookhaven and South Jones hosts East Central.

A volleyball player in a blue jersey dives to save the ball during a game, while a teammate watches intently. Spectators are seated in the background.
Taylor Douglas of Ocean Springs goes low to save a point vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
A group of enthusiastic volleyball players from Ocean Springs celebrating a point during a game, showing team spirit and excitement.
Ocean Springs players react after a key point vs. OLA last week. (Photo by Allan Ritter)
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