That is how it is done.

And a good evening from the spa City Bobby Swofford alongside Alyssa Orange.

Welcome inside Bank Ozk arena.

It is Championship match 505 on the day.

And if this one, the three day championship lives up to the billing of all that we've seen today, we're in for a good one.

We're going to see a little bit of everything.

Everything.

We've seen matches go all the way to five sets.

We've seen sweeps in three.

And so another exciting one here as we wrap this up.

These two teams, Harding Academy and Mansfield coming from different pedigrees, if you will.

Let's take a look and see how Mansfield got to the state championship.

This is the 13th time.

In fact, the Tigers have reached the finals.

They came from the bottom half of the bracket.

They were the number two seed coming out of the North region.

They took down Central Arkansas Christian 3 to 1 in the opening round of that three, a state tournament which was actually played on the campus of CAC.

Then they dispatched the number one seed, Harrisburg 3 to 1 in the quarterfinals, and then took down Episcopal 3 to 1 in the semifinals to get to the state championship game.

And what else can you say about Mansfield?

Other than their driven by the senior Kaylee Ward?

They are.

They of course have a lot of experience of playing in this as a program.

The Kaylee Ward as a as a player that they're going to have to keep an eye on.

Of course, if you see the height and we were joking with Harding's coach, she said, this is the only player I coach against that I have to look up to that six five stands out.

Kaylee Ward's got a lot of Division one basketball offers, including the University of Arkansas, inching towards 600 career season kills this year.

That's rarefied air.

Only 4 or 5 players have ever done that in a single season here in Arkansas.

Let's flip it to the other side of things.

How did Harding Academy get to the state championship?

They're the number one seed from the South region.

They received the bye in the first round of the state tournament, undefeated against the BI in a little tougher matchup against Lavaca in the second round.

3 to 1 win there than they swept Haskell Harmony Grove to reach the state championship.

And case in the reuse as a player for Harding Academy.

That really does a little bit everything.

She can hold her own for sure.

She's committed to Lubbock Christian.

She's got 38 aces on the season, 314 kills.

And when you look at what Harding wants to do, they want their offense to flow through her and then make sure she has as much production at the at the net as possible.

Lubbock Christian, a Division two powerhouse getting a good one with and Harding Academy looking for their second state championship.

Mansfield.

They're looking for their ninth one to find out who's taking home the hardware coming up.

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If you're looking for huge hits, big plays or title game celebrations.

We've got it all for you.

The score and the 11 touchdown run.

It's the Centennial Bank State Football Championships live from War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

And it all begins on December the 4th.

For all the ways to watching the Complete schedule, this log on my talk slash sports.

Hey, football fans, David Basil here.

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You know, I think sports are really big to a lot of people.

And because it's an important part of our fabric and community.

And one good thing about what I've seen is it's high quality production.

You know, you think of a small communities all over Arkansas.

It's a big deal that they can turn on the TV or DVR or whatever and know they're going to get a quality product.

And so I think it just expands the, the focus of what PBS is doing.

You know, Arkansas PBS is doing a great job, and I think it's part of education.

Harding Academy in Mansfield have waited all day, had to wait almost an extra hour to get this one started.

But first serve is finally upon us.

She's Alyssa orange, I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for staying up with us.

The three day championship match is about to be settled underway here.

And when we talked with coach, he told me that last year they were just lucky to be where they were in the state tournament and make the run that they did.

Now they feel like they deserve to be here, and that's the mentality they're taking into this game.

And you saw that there with that first point of the day.

Coach Matt Francis, the number one seed from the south 22 and four on the year.

And they've got the first two points in this matchup.

They started at one and three.

So you can do some quick math.

How about 21 and one in their last 22 matches.

That'll get the job done.

And how you punch your ticket to Hot Springs in the state finals.

That's impressive.

And I asked him what his keys to victory were.

And he goes, you know, it's not necessarily Mansfield specific, but I show you what keep the ball away.

From the girls at six five out on the court right now.

And they did that these first two points to Mansfield able to get the side out.

You know, I had a chance to watch Mansfield in the semifinals against Episcopal and you could tell that the Wildcats were taken out of their offense before they stepped onto the floor.

They were trying to finesse.

They trying to tip around.

Kaylee Ward, we mentioned the six foot five middle blocker.

Harding is not going to do that.

They've got a pair of big hitters on the outside.

They're going to go to continue to attack this Mansfield defense.

They will just like that.

Just like that.

And that's what the coaches.

Don't be scared of Kaylee Warren on the other side.

Just come right at her.

That's Cason Reeves and we spotlight it in the open 314 kills on the season.

Adds to the total already.

So Harding is out to A31 lead.

They won the state championship in their only appearance back in 2011.

Ward tries to tip.

It's not there.

Harding Academy answers and Brinley Reeves, five seven sophomore puts it down.

Great finesse there.

You could see that Ward wanted to try to gingerly put it over those middle defenders.

The great defense by Harding Academy.

Ward can't handle it.

It's an ace for Harding, and the Wildcats have all the momentum early going.

That's the kind of start that Coach Francis wanted out of his team.

And this is a group of seniors.

They're experienced out here.

They've been playing together since seventh and eighth grade, and if there's a moment that they want to be able to share, it's a trophy at the end of this.

And you can tell early on they're playing that way.

That's her a little too strong.

So Mansfield's breaks the run on the service area.

But it's five two Wildcats here in the opening moments.

We're going to track down a volleyball to play.

Abby Smith on serve, five four.

Sophomore for Mansfield.

Reeves.

That back row attack can't be handled.

Cason Reeves says here Brinley Reeves can have all the fun.

Step back and watch.

Brinley Reeves came into it with 129 kills.

She already has two on the evening.

Six two Mansfield in a hole.

That one can't catch the line.

You can tell Mansfield, playing a little tentative, didn't make good contact there, and they already find themselves in a five point hole.

They got to shake off a little bit of, I don't want to say it's nerves, but just a little bit of tense playing a little tight.

The blocks there and Mansfield can't seem to get anything going at Harding Academy.

He's got the crowd into it early.

Speaking of the crowd, what a student section, Bobby, that traveled over here just an hour.

45.

Really?

Yeah.

From where Harding Academy is located.

And they've got their nice cheering section here late tonight.

Ellie Morgan was on the block early, but that time they could not block.

Haley Ward talking with Coach Powell before the match said creeping up on 600 kills for the season.

That's going to be top five all time in state history by the time she's done.

She's impressive to watch and obviously her height is what stands out the most.

But right now Mansfield just needs to settle in.

Still two tight up serve goes long.

It's nine three Harding Academy with the lead tonight.

What a times.

You think you see six five.

And all they're going to do is stand at the net and just jump up and knock it down.

But she's a complete player.

She plays around the rotation.

You don't get it.

High level S.E.C.

basketball in part no you don't.

And it's really important to keep note right now that Mansfield lost their starting setter and Adelyn Godwin injured during their semifinals game.

So right now Carrington Quick is starting at center.

And I'm wondering, Bobby, if that is maybe altering the flow of their offense right now.

You talking about taking the quarterback out of your team going into the state championship match?

That's really the only comparison.

When you miss your setter.

Mansfield a chance to get into the offense here.

And they do that one finally put down for Molly Clopton.

They needed that one in a big way.

Exactly.

When it comes to communication, specifically with your hitters, you've built up that chemistry with your setter all season and now you've got a new voice out there.

Not many seniors on the roster for Mansfield either.

Obviously, Ward gets a lot of the attention as that hit goes to their attack excuse.

It goes into the net.

So Mansfield, even though you expect to be here with Ward maybe a little bit ahead of schedule as far as the rest of the roster.

Ellie Morgan trying to be a little too aggressive there.

I think she probably should have just tried to pass that or set that over the net instead of hit it, because her body wasn't really shifted in the right direction, which is why it went into the net.

But they got the point back with that service error at ten six, Harding Academy still out in front.

Ten of 11 with the serve for Harding.

The big swing there is rejected at the net, but Harding has another shot at it.

That attack, though, goes long.

Couldn't get on top of the volleyball.

Macy Turner sends that one long, a little too high there.

Hit that with a little bit more of a extension than the wrist snap.

Great job by Daisy Nelson to recognize where she was on the floor and let that one buzz by her ear know that was.

Sometimes it is better be lucky than good.

That one catches a lot of tape but trickles over for the ace from Clopton.

I can tell you as a player you hate those the most because you're in position right now to have success.

And when that happens, sometimes there's just nothing you can do.

In case in point, what just happened?

So Harding had the early leave and Mansfield's inching back into it.

It's ten eight.

Make it ten nine.

Another attack error and Mansfield starting to finally just kind of calm down, let everything settle and get comfortable on the court.

8 to 2 was the lead for Harding Academy.

Seven to run and that one catches the pin.

And Mansfield has climbed all the way back making an 8 to 2 run.

Just like that.

We're tied and that's how quickly things can change.

We've been sitting here talking.

It feels like just a few minutes and we look up and we're a tie ball game.

So Mansfield's forcing Harding Academy to to put it in play.

And they're not doing it.

They do it again.

That one right into the net.

And I'm wondering now if Harding Academy has just been a little too timid there with their ball placement, but also trying to hit around Kaylee Ward, which I understand you want to do, but sometimes you got to go just right at her.

Five straight points for Mansfield.

Now they have their first lead of the match.

Take a little off there.

Did Harding Academy gets it across Mansfield with the attack.

That one's well long.

We're tied again.

They needed that side out.

See if they can regroup here.

Go on their own little run.

Well geography lesson.

Mansfield over in the Fort Smith River valley just outside of Greenwood.

Harding Academy, that's in Searcy.

Will be after the contest.

Thank you.

Blocks there for Harding Academy defense leading the offense and gives the Wildcats the lead.

I'm taking notes over here.

Geographically, Mansfield knows their way to a championship game as this Harding Academy Mansfield's had a lot of success and girls basketball, softball, volleyball of course.

Harding Academy one of the premier football programs in the last 15 or 20 years.

But the middle classifications that one got them fired up, the Academy believe was in the softball finals.

If my memory serves me correct, I believe so.

It's in a lot of championship games.

Sometimes they all run together.

Well, miscommunication feels like so long ago.

Really does.

It's okay.

And I believe that was the game that was going on was the same time as the longest ever baseball championship.

And you know, I think you're right because I was supposed to call that softball game.

And I just sat back and I watched baseball for five hours, not 18 innings long, but the long 14, 13, 12 Mansfield with the lead and on the attack that one does not catch the line.

And so we're tied again.

Very fitting already.

Such competition.

What we've seen all day.

This one maintaining that level of excellence.

More of the same ward the first big attack for the 65 outside hitter.

And she puts it down.

That's what we've been waiting for.

Waiting for Kaylee Ward to get true contact.

Just like that.

And if they can get her going and continue, that is hard to defend.

Coach Kaylee Pyles has made it a almost a yearly routine to come to the championship game, as the head coach at Mansfield, she actually played in three championships in her time at Mansfield.

She lost as a sophomore in the finals and then won back to back championships to end her career.

Came back as the head coach and all they've done is come to the finals five times in the last six years.

She knows volleyball and she's been able to instill that same kind of level of excellence and foundation that she had as a player.

Now here in her own program.

Mansfield won the state title four years in a row, 2020 through 2023.

They're happy to be back, I tell you that.

No doubt they got bounced in the quarterfinals last year and Coach Powell said we're out to prove that we can do it three eight, just like he did it the two way that one dumped across though, at Harding Academy and gets the tally.

Up 1514.

This one has been back and forth.

Harding jumped out to the early lead.

Mansfield with the big run.

That service error low into the net pushes the Tigers lead back to a deuce.

I know it's early, but they really got to get Kason Reeves going up at the net right now.

I haven't called her name much of late.

Just one kill.

Oh there it is.

Let's try to go back to where that one's dug out, though.

For Mansfield, back row attack can't be handled.

Nicely done from for Mansfield.

Addie Smith gets the kill.

Largest lead of the contest for the Tigers at 1714.

And Harding Academy is going to take a timeout.

So we'll step aside with them.

Tigers trying to take the opening sets here in the Centennial Bank state volleyball Championships.

Sports is so important to this state and the fabric of the state.

And I appreciate Arkansas PBS doing all the state title games.

And that makes it available for not just the fans in central Arkansas, South Arkansas, but fans around the entire state.

I can only think of the kids in small towns, and this is the biggest moment, maybe in their sports careers, and they have that keepsake of having that game on TV to have with them the rest of their lives.

There's a good look at Coach Kaylee Pyles, the captain of the ship for Mansfield Championship game as a head coach for the fifth time.

Four straight titles.

We're on the fingers.

Put all the rings on.

That's one way to make a statement as a young head coach.

Just keep winning state titles.

That's right.

Add to the ones you won as a player.

Yeah of course War and then have a player like Kaylee Ward on the team can't take away from what she's done as a coach, but it certainly helps that players like Kaylee were in the middle.

You know, they've had a great run of excellent athletes on the female side in recent history.

And so football team making some waves this year to about to cap a perfect regular season.

They can pick up a win next week.

That's true.

And one of our trivia questions from our two way game was what?

What teams?

How many teams have won a volleyball and a softball state title in the same year?

And Mansfield as one of these years back in 2012, Taylor had a chance to complete that.

This year couldn't get it done against Hackett.

Took a trivia question who came up with that?

I know, well done.

Kudos to our research department.

Research Department of one.

Maybe.

I mean, just I don't work.

I kind of sit there and scour record books.

Wonderful.

That's work.

Make your eyes roll back.

Yeah.

Kind of work.

1915 Mansfield and scored the last four till that point, I don't know.

Harding has got to make a run to get back in this opening set.

Set on the outside.

Blocked.

But they're going to say that is out.

So there's not land.

So the block negated Harding with the back to back points and credit the kill.

Believe that was Ellie Morgan on that far side.

Well that's why you got to go right at Kaylee Ward when you're on the outside and hope that things like that happen.

Mansfield answers right back, though, with Croft, and she's had a big first set.

Her second kill on just three attacks for the Mansfield offense.

And they start the countdown.

If you're a mansfield fan only five points away from taking the opening stanza, and if you're Harding Academy, the way you opened up this game, you want to try to close it out that way.

Got to make a big run here.

The tip not there.

As Mansfield scrambles back.

That attack, though, catches the line.

The Harding faithful don't like to call, but the line goes right on top of it, and Harding Academy is going to take a timeout to discuss.

Take a quick look at the replay as we head the break.

You be the judge.

Either way, ruled in favor of Mansfield.

You've got a 2116 lead.

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Mansfield's got a 2116 lead.

Kaylee Ward back to serve.

Trying to put opening set away for the Tigers, but sets serve into the net.

Exactly what Harding wanted coming out of that timeout.

Three points.

You're never going to complain about Kason Reeves.

Now on serve.

38 aces on the season for the Lubbock Christian commits.

Yes.

Battle at the net and Mansfield tries to get it over.

Doesn't blocks been there blocks and Paulie Sipe coming up big on the net for Harding Academy.

Not once not twice, but three times.

Just on that rally cats right back in it.

Oh no oh no.

Oh.

Mansfield gets it across.

Chance for Harding to continue this run.

Brees her attack tipped at the net over ball for Mansfield.

Another chance for the Wildcats.

And Reeves takes advantage after she hit that last one.

She looked at her center and said do it again.

She was feeling it set to the outside and Ellie Morgan adds to her 300 plus kill total.

But the serve goes long.

That was Reeves on serve and that one too long.

And Mansfield advantage is now back to three.

Play, play Molly step five three sophomore now serving another underclassman on this roster for Coach Pyles and Mansfield.

What a big swing on that far side Morgan coming to play.

Well done.

She is feeling it right now.

And another thing when we talked to coach Francis he said he got to watch Mansfield in person.

Has seen them on tape.

And one thing that jumped out to him over the last few days at the state tournament was just that energy.

You saw in person.

It's hard to game plan against, but they're doing the best they can right now.

All right.

Right down the middle goes Danielle Lowery, the 510 junior.

And just like that Mansfield inching towards set number one 2320.

Clopton back to serve now in the sophomore Jojo.

Harten has got to make a run.

That attack catches the tape and we're going to say tipped Porter a little.

And they're going to say it is tipped by Mansfield.

So that time Harding Academy gets the benefit of the call.

And that is a big swing there.

Instead of being set point for Mansfield Harding Academy serving down just two.

Oh no attack dug out for Harding.

Now that one catches the tape, they're going to say Harding got her.

Excuse me man.

Still got a touch on it, though.

It stays alive.

Tip at ten for Mansfield.

Goes for knocked.

Harding sets the outside of that one though.

They get a tip.

They will call it a tipping point.

They're saying a timeout the same.

Mansfield got a touch on that as well.

Monocoque that right hand on Whitley.

Boyd.

Either way Harding Academy is within a point.

We talked about it when they were down.

They need that energy they started the game with.

And that's exactly what they brought out of that timeout Bobby.

So Harding Academy is stormed all the way back to get within a digit 2322 timeout taken by Mansfield.

They still have one left here in this opening set.

Mansfield led 19 to 14.

Well 8 to 4 run for Harding Academy.

Make things also interesting here in the first set.

But the pace on the way that all four Championship matches and now this one is going today expect nothing less.

No we don't.

It's been a fun day of volleyball and I didn't expect this one to end any differently.

No question.

So Harding Academy trying to get all the way back.

Ellie Morgan, 37, aces, is third most on the team on the service line.

Oh, set a tip there for Mansfield and perfectly placed by Abbie Smith, saw that the Harding defense was spread out.

And she just drops it right between all of them.

Yeah.

And of course, you look at Kennedy love, and she was coming up as the setter to try to get into position for a pass and slipped a little bit.

Bailey quick serving for the sets and that's an ace.

What a way to end the opening set for Mansfield.

Quick place is it perfectly here.

The Mansfield takes the opening set from Harding.

2522.

You got to tip your cap to Harding, though.

You want to see them continue to come out here with that same type of energy, because they're going to have to match it with what Mansfield brought at the end of that match, see if Harding can get back it in set number two.

Don't go anywhere.

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Tom put on the thinking caps as we take a look at today's U.S.

Army trivia question entering today.

How many schools are undefeated all time in the volleyball state final?

So that means you got here and have never lost.

Wow.

How many entering today?

That's a great question for the records department.

Think about that one.

It's a surprising low number considering the number of teams have played in the championship, and surprisingly low hitting percentage when you go right at Kailee ward.

Not surprising that her going up to the net and playing that kind of defense, putting it right back into your face.

Hayley Ward with the block there and Mansfield, unlike in the first sets, jumps on the board early.

And all right back to Ward.

But return to sender Jason Reeves said watch me.

The Lubbock Christian Commits comes in with 91 blocks on the season and adding to the total.

The score one one and set number two is Mansfield took the opener.

So that attack, though goes long.

Can't catch the line.

But they're going to get a tip at the nets.

They're going to give it credit.

Point to Harding Academy.

Got a touch.

No argument from the Mansfield coaching staff.

So Harding takes the two one lead.

Your server right now Macy Turner committed to Harding track and field.

A lot of multi-sport athletes in these 38284A schools.

Nice tip there.

Mansfield keeps it alive.

Thought that point was over.

Go talk to Fayetteville about how they feel about that one.

Yeah, that one can't get across the net.

So Mansfield does get the point.

And there is a close call.

It did not go Fayetteville's way.

Take another look at it here and get a hand underneath.

No, no.

So that old stuff.

Yeah we won't tell them that.

But right here beside their bench, we don't want to make an upset.

No review in high school volleyball in the country has not been adopted yet by the national federation.

So we play on.

Discovery there.

Mike case in Reeves case.

And there he's playing a little finesse.

Finds open space in the Mansfield defense.

Harding lead now three two.

On the ward.

Big swing there.

Can't be handled at the net.

Reeves was there for the block.

But Ward does powers through.

Yeah, I think she's frustrated a little bit going up against Kaylee Ward by herself.

And not many times you're going to see a single block on Ward double hit and a left.

There arguing that that wasn't a block, but a hit.

Harding captain getting an explanation from the referee.

And Fitz, you saw her.

Harding Academy not going to be pleased no matter what is said.

Mansfield's got a 4 to 3 lead.

And the explanation is they're not going to call it a block.

So they're calling it a double hit.

It.

Set to the outside.

And that's a way to get some momentum going back Ellie Morgan puts it down Ellie Morgan having herself quite a state finals game.

That is her fourth kill.

She's going to go play volleyball next year at Harding University.

Move across campus.

Yeah, that right side right Ward goes.

Powers through the double block there.

And Kaylee Ward starting to heat up for Mansfield.

Fifth kill of the evening for Kaylee Ward on 12 attacks.

250 hitting percentage.

Up.

Mansfield tries to go to the other side.

The blocks there for Harding, trying to push them out of their offense, but sets it up for Ellie once more.

Back to her that time.

Dug out again.

Defense showing up for Mansfield on this point.

One of the longest rallies we've had, but that one finally ended in put down for Harding.

Looked like it was 22.

County side, Valley side.

Exactly right.

The 510 junior.

So we're all knotted up at five here in set number two.

One thing that Coach Francis also told us that his senior class that is so close and tight knit, this would mean a lot to them to win a title.

But when it comes to rolls, everyone's really just stepped up when they've needed to.

And that's what you're seeing right now.

We talked a lot about Kason Reeves, but Brinley Reeves right now with five kills and Ellie Morgan doing her her damage as well, sometimes you got to be lucky.

Kennedy, 11, gets that one to trickle over the tape.

Call it an ace.

Either way.

The Harding Academy, putting together a little run right.

It's three straight points for the Wildcats.

But.

Mansfield with the over ball and Harding a chance to add to that run.

And they do that one can't be handle Mason Turner with the kill.

Well done by Turner to try to poke it into that bat corner.

Eight five.

Now Harding had a lead in that opening set, but Mansfield was too strong.

We'll see if the Tigers have another rally in them.

And that's not going to help their cause.

That one quickly put down in the middle from side.

Well done by Smith there to get up and go strong to get that ball over and not get in the net.

Nine five now is the margin.

And so it has to just get that one over.

And now Harding a chance to keep the run going though.

But that one into the net of that one a little too much a little too much forward momentum.

Getting that ball right down into the net instead of over it.

And Ellie Morgan was trying to ride that wave and just got on top of that one too much.

And it.

Will attack from Morgan from the right side dugout for Mansfield still looking to get their offense going here in the second set up along attack and back row.

Mansfield though can't get the offense going in system back over to Harding.

Nice dig on the back row.

Now the Tigers a chance to go on the attack.

And that's put down nicely.

Plays not a lot of power behind it but perfectly inserted in the middle of defense by Clopton.

And sometimes that's what you need to get the ball back and try to get back that momentum.

And Mansfield talking about that energy they play with, trying to bring it back up over.

One can't be dug out from the attack from Turner and credited her with the kill.

For they kind of seems like these two teams really are in system, not in rhythm, but they're still finding a way to to put the ball down.

Yeah, exactly.

Just like that.

It just feels like we're still playing just a little too tight on both sides of the net.

And Harding Academy felt like they were playing so loose to start off this match in set one.

And they got to get back to that time.

Harding still has a ten eight lead.

The quick set there snuffed out by the block, but Harding still found a way to get it over again.

That's things just finding a way to work themselves out.

Even in the chaos.

The blocks again shows up for Mansfield and over ball from Harding that that one finally put down another kill for Danielle Lowry.

Well done by Lowry up front 510 junior middle blocker is Lowry.

And just like that the Tigers are now within a point short.

Yeah another big swing right in the middle.

Lowry getting it going.

So that's that's what you need when you've got Kaylee Ward in the back row.

You've got Danielle Lowry there to pick up the slack until she rotates back around.

Lowry now five kills on just ten total attacks.

And that's as many kills as Ward does now that one into the net.

And Harding Academy is on quite a run.

One thing I've noticed Mansfield does not play with a libero.

Which is interesting.

A true six six player rotation.

Which makes things a little easy for the scorebook to have to worry about all those substitutions coming in and out.

So a lot of movement.

I do not envy them for sure.

And block again showing up for Mansfield now, some miscommunication for Harding Academy and coach Matt Francis may want to take a timeout.

And he does.

Harding Academy is facing A50 run for Mansfield.

We'll see if the Wildcats can stop the bleeding.

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To Mansfield's got a 1210 lead after they've scored the last five points.

Clopton on the service line for Mansfield trying to keep the run going.

This has a similar feel to that opening set where Harding Academy had a lead than Mansfield made a run in the middle part and then held on, and Harding put together their own little attempt at a comeback to so the dangerous way to live, though, you got to rely on means don't be very comfortable with the lead.

You're right.

Also true, volleyball is not a sport that really makes you comfortable with leads.

Things can change in a hurry as we've seen many times already today.

Very fast you look up and next thing you know it's tied again.

That's the beauty of rally scoring.

Oh, that would be here all day.

Oh, I'm so glad they changed that rule.

Could you imagine still playing side out scoring.

No thank you.

Yeah.

Got a tip there.

We'd still be in the A Championship but start of the day who would be that one.

Went long enough.

Yeah that one tipped at the net.

That feels like it was about three days ago.

But that was today.

Looking to crown a fifth champion of the day here in Hot Springs.

Maybe a little more depressingly, this is the final volleyball match of the calendar year.

The blocks there for Mansfield Lowery again coming up big for the Tigers.

It's such a fun sport to follow.

It's grown so much in the state and really around the country at the high school level, at the club level, on the collegiate level.

So yeah, I have to wait a whole nother year for volleyball.

Finish with the end of a cycle.

So we'll see some new classifications, new conferences, some teams move it up moving around.

It's a great serve there by Bailey quick.

The ace Pulaski Academy one team that comes to mind.

They'll be moving up because of competitive equity after they won a championship earlier today that serves into the net.

So that means PA will move from 4 to 5 for sure.

And Holding Academy doesn't really care about that right now.

They're just trying to win the championship.

They are.

The quick set there deflected at the net.

And they're going to say no we're going to confer with each other.

Yes yes.

The far line just to say they got a tip.

And so credit the kill to Reeves.

And Harding Academy is inching closer 1513.

They're battling.

Harding is right now still a long way to go here in set number two left to play.

And you got to be able to keep your cool stay even keel.

You can't get too high or too low.

You also got to play through.

That's huge.

Find a little open space there and recognize the block was right in front of her and just kind of tips it over to the side.

I think she also recognized that Harding was kind of early celebrating.

Yeah.

Good court vision as well.

1613 The Lady Tigers with the lead and serve Carrington quick.

Another sophomore the three.

Diving bodies keeps it alive for Mansfield.

They get it over chance though for Harding to go on the offensive back row attack.

That's a lot to handle.

Exactly what you wanted from Ellie Morgan back there.

Doing it from the back row to her fifth kill of the night.

It's a big swing for Morgan.

She'll be playing at Harding next year.

Just the college, not the high school.

Warden again powers it through the block.

Kaylee Ward, another kill her.

Seventh of the match.

And that's where again, we've talked about.

Just try to container battle against her, because you're not going to be able to really slow her down.

But great serve.

Just dying there.

But wow Ellie Morgan playing on another level right now trying to rally her team to rise to the occasion.

We've seen some big hitters today throughout all the classifications.

Ellie Morgan certainly belongs in that conversation.

She does.

She has not stopped high energy since she stepped on the court about 30 minutes ago.

Morgan again takes that back row, but Mansfield handles it this time.

Ward rejected it in the block sent back right at Ward.

Can't handle it.

Kaylee, site another block.

There you go.

Side.

Doing a little bit of everything right now for this Harding Academy team.

And that is her third block.

Harding back within the digits 1716.

Can they get all the way back in.

Time is up.

Great dig.

And they will miss it there for Harding.

But it's going to work out either way.

And tough break for Mansfield.

They get it over ball well.

Could not take advantage.

And just like that Alyssa we are tied again.

How about that again we talked about the runs and being able to get in this game with a blink of an eye.

And that's exactly what Harding has done.

Match Mansfield the energy and maybe then some right now towards in the stunt.

That momentum for Harding and a little tip over to the double block finds the open space that is just perfectly placed.

Mansfield back in front and Ward back to serve.

I'd still like to see Kaylee Ward.

Be a little bit more aggressive.

She's done a lot of soft hips.

I want to see her come with a little bit more of that power, like Ellie Morgan's doing right now.

Ellie Morgan is bringing all the power you need.

And for the Harding outside hitter ties the match again.

Ellie Morgan eight kills.

Brinley Reeves has six for Harding.

That leads the way.

Ward and Lowry eight and six.

A peach for Mansfield.

That's an ace for Harding.

Academy in the Wildcats in front.

Well done by Harding Academy again.

No service points.

Easiest points you're going to kid in this match.

Mansfield won the opening set 2522.

Harding Academy trying to even things up.

That serve is going to go long to munch mustard on it from love.

And we're tied at 19 up and new substitutions coming in for Mansfield including the server.

That's going to be Molly step.

Sophomore.

Also checking in was Whitney Boyd a junior.

Out.

That attack goes long as well.

Harding was asking for a touch.

They don't get it.

A little too much power on that by Ellie, but she's trying.

You got a tip?

Your cap to that?

Still?

Couldn't handle the serve there.

Mansfield.

Back to back courts.

She's still got eight kills right now, but Mansfield.

Wearing off that run that Harding's put together had some time to think about it.

Look at today's U.S.

Army trivia question entering today.

How many schools have never lost a volleyball state final match up?

The answer?

I'm going to go with what I thought about it.

I didn't cheat.

Five answers seven.

Seven habits, Episcopal, Harding Academy, little Rock central, Nettleton, Sylvan Hills and Texarkana all undefeated in the state championship.

A combined nine and oh between those teams have never lost and found us.

Has only been here one other time.

And that was in 2011.

You want to guess who they beat?

It's a good question.

No, I know the answer I want.

I'm asking you to guess Baptist prep that other team in red over here.

True.

Yeah.

About a long time ago.

Is that the, was that the team that Coach Pyles came runner up in her sophomore year in 2011?

No, they won it in 12 and 13.

So two.

But yeah.

So that would have been 2011.

There you go.

It's coming full circle about that Melissa on Join your records department.

Absolutely great.

We have an unpaid internship available with your name on wonderful.

And it's got a 2119 lead.

Nice job by Harding Academy to keep the point alive.

But a tip the tip game has been working for Mansfield.

Danielle Lowry found some open space.

Yeah, we love this game of volleyball and power.

But if that finish and the tip over the defense is going to work, just keep doing it.

The double block was set up for Harding, but no help behind when trying to be powered through the block.

Not there.

Harding Academy though, quickly takes advantage of the over inside again with the put that well done by site.

Been really impressed with just her aggressiveness at the at the at the net on the court.

Not afraid to go up there and get her hands dirty.

Morgan on serve now for Harding Academy.

Can't handle that return no call a kill for Molly Clopton.

Calling her name a bunch today for Mansfield hurts.

Her fourth put down.

Mansfield now just two points away from taking the first two sets here in this three state championship match.

Call it an ace popped and coming up big that was big.

And again no service aces or something that you hope you can get because they're easy points.

For Mansfield set points a chance to take a commanding lead here in the Championship.

That one just over to keep this one going and try the dump.

Harding Academy right there.

Harding quickly gets back into it.

Brinley Reeves, the younger of the two, gets another kill.

We haven't said her name very often, but finally gets back into it with her seven seven kills from Brinley Reeves.

Carlson has just three and 12 attempts to set point number two for Mansfield, but Harding is at serve and call it an ace.

Perfectly put down.

Harding is not going to go away and Coach Biles wants another timeout.

This is exactly what we saw in the first set of this match, and we're seeing it one more time.

Gabby Matheny found some open space.

We'll see if Mansfield can survive.

Set number two coming up.

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Mansfield trying to put the finishing touch on set number two.

But Harding Academy, just like they did in the opening set, making things interesting late 2422, is the margin.

Harding still at serve?

That one is handled this time, though, by the Tigers.

Quick set right in the middle of that attack goes wide.

And set number two goes way of Mansfield.

Oh that's terrible.

And that is a very upset Cason Reeves as she walks to the bench.

And I understand it.

Emotions are very, very high.

But sometimes those high emotions make those sets go a little bit too far.

Here's our replay.

Let's watch and see.

Got on top of it.

And oh that's an tough call.

There goes Hanson goes away of Mansfield.

And the Tigers have a two sets to none lead and see if Harding Academy can get back into it.

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Welcome back to Bank Ozark Arena in Hot Springs, as we now head to set three of the three a state title game.

And let's introduce you to our Arkansas PBS student all star Sophia Russell of Lincoln.

She is a senior with a 3.4 GPA, is going to attend Southwest College and major in business.

So congratulations to Sophia Rothrock as we now pick back up action.

Harding getting ready with the service down.

Two sets to nothing to Mansfield.

Mansfield looking to close this one out.

And in the night early for us.

So if you're Coach Francis and company Allison what do you say to your team during that time out after you dropped the first two sets, even though they've been nip and tuck back and forth?

Control your emotion.

How that last set ended very emotional case in Reeves as she walked off.

Rightfully so.

We showed the replay, but you cannot let that affect this third set.

You've got to be able to reconvene and take a deep breath and get back to that aggressive play that you had in that run, and try to see if you can pull this third set out.

Mansfield takes the opening point here in set number three.

We'll see what Harding Academy can do to get back into it.

Still a term from JB Brazil who's been here all day.

The reverse sweep is always so difficult to do that when that means when set three, four and five and Harding Academy's now down a two nothing hole here in set three.

Yeah.

And they're going to continue to battle though we've seen them do it all night.

They're not going to quit now.

But again you do have to just keep these emotions in check and not get rattled.

Harding lost this one set in the entire state tournament coming into the finals.

That was in the quarterfinal round against the Lavaca team, right from the conference, same region as Mansfield, obviously the largest test they face up to this point.

And a chip from Maud snuffed out from Harding and going outside the read that tip doesn't work inside the ward.

She just pushes it across.

Great job there by Allie Morgan to dig that one out.

Keep this rally going.

That attack goes long.

You're starting to see the Harding defense though.

Creep towards the net though.

And that's why Warren tried that long tip didn't work.

But it's a good idea.

It is.

And that's something too that if you're Harding on the other side of that, I know that you've got Kaylee Ward in your face, but go up and attack at the net.

Tip again for Moore doesn't work in the back row attack.

That one goes on.

Ellie Morgan finding ways to get the job done all over the floor.

She is not ready for her volleyball season to be over.

She has come ready to play.

It has been impressive to watch her in the front row in in the back row tonight.

Bobby 510 senior finding ways to keep Harding Academy in this.

They've got a 3 to 2 lead here in the set.

Finding a lead early on even though that serves into hasn't been the problem for Harding.

It's those middle points.

It is.

It's almost like you handle the emotions of the start of the set, and you have a little bit of a lull.

Yeah.

You can't not allow that to happen right now because unfortunately those runs back haven't been able to be sustainable in success.

And attack catches the tape and goes wide.

We're not going to want to watch this replay again.

She's a little frustrated and I can understand why.

Four three Mansfield has the lead.

Over the ball from the Tigers chance to get Harding offense involved.

No solid piece blocks there.

And the younger Reese tiptoeing across.

And Mansfield can't handle it.

And we've talked about the emotion.

That's the one thing right now with Pace and Reeves I know she's frustrated.

You see it on her face, but she's got to be able to take a deep breath and.

Play for her team that one.

And well done.

That's an ace Pam Allmendinger the line judge right on top of that makes the call.

And Harding Academy is back in front.

Wildcats trying to get back into it now.

Mansfield takes the first two sets by the identical score of 2522.

Big swing there.

It's two strong, but I like that aggressive approach from Ellie Morgan.

She's been doing it all night.

Just keep it up.

She's seen success.

I don't want her to tone it back at all.

And tied at five.

Harding Academy with seven aces right now.

And.

One thing coach told us do they want to be aggressive with the serves?

And he said, and sometimes those will be misses.

But we need to be aggressive.

That's how we're going to be able to stay in these games.

I saw that a lot in the six eight championship match today.

Conway continually had service areas, but because they were trying to pound that back line, you're going to have some mistakes.

But you also take the opposition out of rhythm and attack can't be handled.

Mansfield quickly ties the match again.

Mixing toward the 9:00 hour.

We've been playing volleyball for you.

Do some math for ten hours today.

Yeah, just a little quick math started at 11 this morning and quickly got behind schedule, but it was exciting.

Volleyball.

No complaints.

It has not slowed down.

Oh no.

Yeah.

Oh, no.

Bobby, you don't have kids.

But I'm sure you know.

Yeah it is.

It is 7 to 6 at the moment.

I think you said it wrong.

Well I was trying to read the score correctly, but my eight year old is listening.

He's at home going six seven, six seven.

Thankfully it doesn't last long.

It's still trying to figure out what that means.

Yeah.

Okay.

The older generation remembers three, six, nine.

Yeah, but that meant something.

It was from a song.

Yeah.

This.

I don't know what it came from that does anything in any anymore?

Okay.

Well done by Macy Turner.

And the outside hitter powers through the block at Harding Academy.

Has got A96 lead.

This could not get over in front from Clopton.

Attack right in the middle, though.

There she is.

Really impressive.

The play of Danielle Lowry.

The junior in the middle.

Yeah she's been everywhere.

And has really come with an attack mentality.

When she's up front in the middle, it means that Kaylee Ward is in the back and she understands the pressure and what that responsibility is like up there.

Eight for 14 on attacks for Lowry.

How about a 430 hitting percentage?

It's impressive.

Great dig.

They're keeping the ball alive.

So it doesn't work for Harding Academy.

And back comes Mansfield.

Tip doesn't work for the Tigers.

Try the old dumping that one down.

That one does work that setters little dump.

And she hasn't done that all night.

Finally catches them off guard.

Sometimes you've got to save that for just the right moment.

Cut Mansfield on their heels and gets the easy point.

And she does that.

And of course as a setter too, you've got to sell it like it's a set.

She sold that one.

Well.

Oh Mansfield gets it across for that one.

Can't catch the line.

Harding Academy catches a break.

Oh, look awfully close.

11 seven now.

Wildcats in front.

This is when Mansfield has kind of taken over in the first two sets.

But that one goes wide.

We'll see if the Wildcats can hold on.

Hold.

Office Tiger team looking over at coach Pyles right now.

She just looked at her team and said calm down.

It's okay.

Just side out here and get the ball back.

A lot of young players who haven't necessarily played in Championship matches, but this program certainly has.

They're not going to be fazed by anything.

And that one miscommunication a bad pass but a two tight there on the net.

That's a really tough one.

Where are you going to go and try to tip it over.

Can you see she might have been better off just trying to set it over.

13 seven largest lead of the day for Harding.

So over the ball for Mansfield the Wildcats have a chance to add to their lead.

But that attack goes long.

So like this is a big sequence for Harding Academy.

In the next 5 to 10 points.

They need to be able to keep mansfield at bay and find a way to get back into this match.

Yeah they do.

This is going to be huge.

You don't want to give the ball right back to Harding and give them momentum again.

Yeah nice.

Just like that.

Well done.

And we talked at the beginning of this match.

What do you say to this team.

And you say emotionally don't let that last set beat you in this set.

And so far they've been able to kind of just wipe that slate clean and start over.

Daddy Matheny on the service line.

The 55 junior for Harding.

That one catches some tape but gets over the big swing right at Coach Matt Francis.

He gets out still on his feet though.

Yeah he'll take it because he knows if it hits him it's out.

That's right 15 to 8 Harding in control here in set number three.

He's trying to get some momentum going.

If you're a Wildcat fan that's certainly going to help.

Call it an ace.

The man is going to take a timeout.

Harding Academy crowd's getting into it.

We'll see if they can claim this third set.

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Harding Academy in control here in set number three, because they've got a 16 eight lead on Mansfield trying to claw back into this match after the Tigers took the opening two sets.

We've seen a little bit of everything today is that one can't be handled, and I think Kason Reeves needed to see that one too.

She's been a little frustrated with some hits that haven't gone her way, and she needed that one to get that smile back on her face.

We've seen a pair of five set thrillers today, a match that went four in a sweep.

What do they have in store now?

Ward she gets it over.

And Harding Academy a chance to go on the offensive one more time.

Good hit there by Turner.

Good recovery defensively by Mansfield.

And big swing there over the top of Ward.

Couldn't get on top ten.

Not there off.

Little Ward right in the middle.

Nice job to keep that play alive.

Great defense.

Right back to Ward.

She tries to tip again.

The defense there.

One of the longest rallies we've seen so far between these two teams.

With Kaylee Ward puts an end to that as she finds the open space.

The rotation got out of kilter for Harding Academy and the easy put that it was.

And she kind of saw that court vision.

Two she tried the little tip and then she saw the hole and went straight for it.

Still an eight point deficit though for Mansfield.

Harding in control here in set number three.

Quick set there and quickly regains that point for Harding Academy.

Really impressed with the way that they've responded in this third set.

Absolutely have to have it.

And they're playing just like that.

18 to 9 Wildcats doubling up Mansfield.

Big shot power.

And it's dug out though just here with each passing points.

Harding Academy getting a little more confidence.

Fans getting back into it.

Ward's just going to keep going in this Harding Academy defense going to keep fighting.

Another long rally here between these two.

And he's going to win it.

Swing there.

Deflected effort at Harding Academy.

Finding a way to win all the big points here in set number three.

That was Brinley Reeves with her ninth kill of the day just two behind Ellie Morgan at 11.

And again Cason Reeves just four kills behind Macy Turner with six.

But everyone doing just a little bit of everything for this Harding Academy team.

The adrenaline is starting to pump a little too much as that serve goes well long and the side out back over to Mansfield.

And it 19 to 10.

The margin.

Nice dig out on the back row there for Mansfield.

And.

And well done.

So they've got a touch there at the net for Mansfield.

Ward she puts it down.

Didn't get all of it there with just enough and found some open space.

So Kaylee Ward closes the gap again.

Now it's 1911.

I haven't heard that one in volleyball before.

Call it both ways.

Yeah, I'm not really sure what he meant by that, but we're just going to let him hear you always hear some interesting things in there.

And another put down that's Clopton again.

Miley making her presence known.

Abbie Smith again.

Back to serve is 19 to 12.

Mansfield again trying to get back into it.

Big swing can be kind of Carrington quick off guard there again filling in as the setter bringing it quite ready for that one.

Start to countdown if you're Harding is five points away from taking this set up.

Trying to set Ward on the slide.

The pass is off the mark.

She just has to get it over.

There on the other side, Jason Rees hammers one home.

Well done.

Another time out by Mansfield.

You see Harding Academy has not let go of any of this energy.

See if Mansfield timeout can spark a run for the Tigers as Harding is about to take set number three.

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Ten point lead for the Wildcats.

You can really start to feel the momentum leaning the other direction here in set number three.

And sometimes that's all it takes to put a match on its head and turn it around.

Big swing on the far side.

And Ellie Morgan bringing the lumber.

Just continuing to feel it.

She's doing everything she can right now for her team.

She's not ready for this volleyball season to end.

And this is the last match of the high school season.

That one put down, though.

Mansfield not going to go quietly as Clopton gets another kill.

Clopton now with six behind, Danielle Lowry with eight and Kaylee Ward with 12.

Kaylee Ward back now on the service line.

Mansfield needs a big run.

They want to get back into this set.

Attack might have gone long, but still played nonetheless.

Great dig.

There she is.

That is, she is a little bit lucky as it catches the Tate, but rolls right down to finds an open space.

And it is now set point for Harding.

She's just trying to ways to continue to check off different ways to get kills down the line.

Cross court, little roll on the net.

All the credit needs to go to Gabby Matheny though on that dig.

Kept the point alive.

Going outside, try to put it away.

And now to Ellie Morgan with the kill.

And Harding Academy takes set three.

Well done by Harding Academy.

The bounce back and avoid the sweep here in this final match of the state title championship Saturday at Bangkok Arena in Hot Springs.

Man, volleyball just doesn't want to go away and I'm here for it.

Emphatically.

The Harding Academy, Texas eight set three set for coming up.

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These are great championship keepsakes.

That's such a hard.

Keep sakes.

I got it.

Got it.

I got through it.

There we go.

Out to set number four.

We go.

Shout out to our guy, Kai Caddy, doing all the hard work for the photos today.

Always does fantastic work.

Speaking of fantastic, that one from Kaylee Ward puts the Mansfield on top here to start.

Set number four.

Good way to set the tone for Mansfield again.

Same question.

How does Mansfield respond after losing that that third set?

How do they handle the emotions?

That's the ultimate question.

Nice dig on the back row for Mansfield.

Now they go on the offensive at the blocks right there.

They are not backing down from Kaylee Ward in the middle.

No they're not well done there by Cason Reeves.

I think she's kind of shaken off a little bit of the distress in her shoulder.

She's playing really well that last set.

And to start this one.

That one catches too much tape though.

Service error.

Past 9:00.

So we are into officially double digits volleyball today.

For hours.

I love it.

Thank to you all watching at home who's been here for every serve and celebration.

Celebrate that spike put down.

Well done.

I love that movement there by Reeves to come all the way over and then cross her body with that kill the slide piece.

Work to perfection.

There from Harding Academy and knotted this thing up at two.

Ward right down the middle.

And that one can't be handled as this man tried to get in front of it.

Just couldn't too much velocity and down the angle from Ward.

And that's when Ward comes with power.

If you can't square your body around, you are going to ricochet it off of your arms.

Just because of how powerful she's going to bring it into your.

That attack goes long from Ellie Morgan.

She hasn't done many things in kind of like a replay of that one as close and Scott Grant the line judge right on top of it.

Here it is.

Go right back to her that time.

She's not going to let it go wide drills it.

Well done by Ellie Morgan.

Continuing to put up kills.

I missed that one right there at his feet.

But yeah Harding Academy flooring all around the in or out line.

Ward tries to go down the line.

And I'm going to say that one caught some line is pointing out.

And you made that Alyssa orange long stop Bobby Swofford Alyssa, you said earlier the manziel's not using the liberal.

They had finally checked one in maybe the first time all day as Daisy Nelson.

And she is.

It's the first time we've seen someone not in a red jersey.

That's an ace for Mansfield.

Just the sheer presence of Nelson might have caused that one.

Possibly some momentum.

Five for senior.

One of the very few seniors on the roster, only three for Mansfield Ward.

Molly Back and Daisy Nelson, the only three seniors on the roster for Mansfield.

Back over to Ellie.

Nice little tap.

Good dig.

Good job to keep that alive was Clopton.

And that attack goes wide.

Things starting to get away from Harding Academy.

And coach Wolf Francis is not going to let it get any farther before he takes a timeout.

So we'll step aside with them.

Mansfield trying to win a state championship.

They lead to two sets to one.

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Harding Academy in Mansfield.

Locked in a good one here.

Mansfield's got a two set to one lead.

Brinley Rees with ten kills for Harding Academy.

There's a good look at Kaylee Ward.

She's at the service line.

15 kills quietly, if that's possible for Mansfield.

Yeah, she's done it in a lot of different ways, but that's why her presence is so powerful on the floor.

That's going to add to the kill total for Ellie Morgan.

She's putting on quite the show for man.

So let's kill number 16 for number six and white now going blow for blow over there with Kaylee Ward.

Set right in the middle.

That one can't be handled.

Smiley Compton again popped and down with seven kills.

So 15 for Ward, eight for Lowery, seven for Crofton.

Those are your offensive leaders for Mansfield, 16 and ten for Morgan and Brinley Reeves.

Kason Reeves has six kills alone.

So does Macy Turner.

So a little balanced attack for both squads.

Logan said on this side dugout on the back row.

Mansfield again just with the over ball one more time.

That time the works.

Well done there.

Great finesse there from Ellie Morgan.

The power to score that defense and the way it was set up and was able to squeeze that one right by on the power game.

Didn't work the first time.

So she tries a little touch, but when drops right behind the double block and then an ace on top of that and Harding Academy quickly right back into this.

It's 8 to 6.

Well done by Harding.

And now Ellie Morgan.

Back to serve.

That serve goes long notice the last couple times.

And she may do this every time.

I seven knows it never more.

It's kind of got an odd little hop right before she tosses the ball up to serve.

Yeah.

She, it's almost like taking a layup off the wrong foot.

If it works, though.

Yeah, but you know what?

She's doing things and contributing in way is with the swing of her arm.

So it's okay.

Yeah.

No question.

I'm not going to criticize the way she's played today.

She's been outstanding for Harding.

That was an ace for Clopton, for Mansfield.

She's back on the service line.

Try to dump there.

Nicely done for Harding Academy.

Well done.

Got Mansfield on their heels once again and just dumps that one over and not ready for it.

Ten seven Harding in a hole and.

Answer.

Just got to get it over.

And Harding a chance to cut into this deficit even more hole no catches.

And Tate say Manson got to touch.

That one put down though by Mason Turner.

Lacey Turner continuing to make plays.

Seven kills for Macy tonight.

Harding right back in this one.

Both teams hitting about 195 for the match.

Three evenly spaced out.

Right I haven't called Danielle Lowry's name in a while.

Mansfield needs to get her going again.

Setting her right in the middle.

That one block though, it's hard to dump there and right into the net.

Molly step.

The sophomore didn't get enough on it.

Harding Academy chance to tie it up here in set number four.

You need three consecutive points for the Wildcats.

That attack goes wide.

Coach Francis was he wanted to call.

Yeah he wanted to say that was four touches.

And either way it went wide.

So we are all tied at ten five consecutive four.

Excuse me.

Now four consecutive points for Harding.

That went into the net.

And the Wildcats have taken the lead.

I love the grit and the energy from this Harding team.

They're not backing down.

And right now Mansfield just feels like they're playing just a little off kilter, a little timid.

You look right over there, Kaylee Warren.

Well, we got this.

Pick it up already.

Three ties and a lead change here in the fourth set.

These two teams have really gone back and forth in this.

The epitome of a game of runs.

That one touch right in the middle of some diamond bodies for Mansfield.

And an easy kill for case and reason.

The lead now 1210 for Harding.

Mansfield needs a side out in the worst way right now.

Six consecutive points now for Harding.

It's time it there worked out perfectly for Harding as Mansfield had to scramble and blocks not there.

Another point for Harding Academy.

Make it seven consecutive.

No flinch from coach piles and company on the Mansfield side.

And I think Coach Pyles just wants to see how her team reacts and see if they can just make any kind of adjustment.

But I don't think she'll let it get too much further down the road here without a timeout on the big swing there.

That one's thrilled.

Straight.

There's Kason Reeves forces a timeout for Mansfield.

Harding Academy has scored eight consecutive points.

Mansfield has got to find a way to stop the bleeding.

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Harding Academy has scored eight consecutive points, so what was a ten six?

Mansfield lead has quickly turned into a four point hole for the Tigers.

And really well done by Harding to continue to just stay steady with the energy and the grit.

They're not backing down and they're definitely not playing scared anymore.

And I felt that momentum start to swing the other way.

And midway through game number three as Harding took away with that one.

And now Mansfield fighting to try to get some of that momentum back.

And that's certainly going to help.

I was ready for it.

Splits the block and ends at eight oh.

Run.

Now let's see if Mansfield can kind of regain some of that momentum that they've lost over these last eight points.

Big swing from the outside hitter Abby Smith.

Quick set right there for Harding Academy.

But a hand underneath for the Tigers keeps it alive.

Cake there by Abby Smith.

Driving bodies keeps it alive.

You betcha.

Nicely done.

Yeah, that's Abby Smith.

And then she finished it up later with the kill.

Serve right at two defenders for Harding.

They've got to just get it over Chancellor Mansfield to get the offense going again.

And Dailey certainly does that.

She's been waiting for an opportunity to get herself going again after that eight point run.

She's ready to do some damage herself for Mansfield trying to avoid the block.

There.

A little bit of a miss it, but still worked out nevertheless.

That one right through the block though, you can feel the intensity picking up Kason Reeves for Harding.

She's playing with a little bit of a chip on her shoulder now and some attitude, and I love to see it.

1513 Wildcats have the lead set for that.

To win this one to force a fifth and decisive set.

Ward another big swing and blocks Kaylee Ward adding to her growing kill total.

She's now at 1617 after that 117 now Kaylee Ward staying on pace with Ellie Morgan on the other side, who also has 17 boards, 17 kills on 41 attacks, Ellie Morgan 17 on 38 attack.

So pretty.

Even numbers for the two heavy hitters on each side.

Reeves.

Now back to Ward.

That one has to scramble around as Harding get it across.

I'm just going to keep feeding Ward when it works out like that.

It's a pretty good idea.

Kaylee Ward another kill.

She's starting to put this team on her shoulders.

Coach Francis wants a timeout, but Kaylee Ward.

She wants a state title to bring back home to Mansfield with the rest of her teammates.

Kaylee Ward with the kill.

We'll keep it right here.

These two teams locked in a good 1 or 2 seeing run after run.

And that third set really got away for Mansfield.

But we've already seen a much different team from the Tigers here in set number four.

Yeah we really have.

And what it's been is just been an aggressive approach.

Now that we're here and tied again and you allow Harding to get that momentum and then you take it right back.

And so where is the momentum going to go right now.

Which side is it going to dictate.

And put some points together on the board.

We're about to find out.

They're all tied at 15.

We saw an eight nothing run already in this set for Harding Academy.

But Mansfield's been able to answer back and rally back from a four point deficit.

Your.

14 to 10 Harding Academy.

Now it's all tied at 15.

And that coach Francis a little upset with himself because he just realized he doesn't have any timeouts left.

Yeah.

Earned both of them early going here in the fourth set.

So now the players on the floor are going to have to get the job done.

Mansfield has one timeout left here in the three with each team.

It's two timeouts per set.

Rule gets it over and a chance for Harding to go on the offensive attempt.

They're not successful.

Ward drives it home, but the block returns it.

Cason Reed showing up with some defense.

Well done by Cason Reeves to get back up there and go straight up on this block.

Perfection.

Timed it really well.

Tries to tip the blocks again.

There.

Tried to slide that one towards.

Just drives it home.

She's feeling it now.

She's feeling really good up against that net right now.

And.

Jason Rees had been on really a bad point.

But she has certainly taken control of this fourth set.

Well the good thing is you have girls around you like Ellie Morgan and then Brant Brinley Reeves who were kind of taking up the attention.

And now she's able to kind of break out.

Kaylee Ward said, enough of this block stuff.

I'm just going to drive it to the outside.

Good for her.

Easy kill for Kaylee.

Morgan.

She tries the big swing and that one goes long and Mansfield gets Back-To-Back points to quickly tied this again.

And Smith, now on a service line for the Tigers.

Each point going to be so important from here on out for both sides.

Mansfield chasing the state championship.

Harding trying to get it to the fifth set.

Right through the block.

Popped in again.

Well done by Crompton Miley has eight kills now on 18.

Attack still hitting over 350.

Talk about a big time performance from a sophomore on the biggest stage.

A big serve there for Mansfield that's handled.

Dough from Harding knows Ellie and a big score.

And well done by Ellie Morgan.

Ellie Morgan puts another one down.

She has 18 kills, 323 kills on the season.

Now for the future Harding Mason.

That serve can't be handled.

Back to back points now for Harding.

Wildcats retake the lead.

A thriller.

Expect nothing less.

I know it's been fun.

Tip not there for Mansfield.

Harding back on the attack.

The pass is off the mark.

Good job by Ellie there to though.

Pass that up and not try to hit it.

Get into the net and recognize Harding was out of sorts.

They're not in position defensively and just dumps it over.

Kind of punches it really with the close fist and gets the easy point.

Whatever works.

1919 will score.

Mansfield wins this set.

They want a state championship.

Harding Academy though trying to prevent that from happening.

And that's certainly going to help Ellie Morgan's attack blocks.

But it goes all the way back behind the line.

Doesn't catch that line.

So point for Harding.

Yeah that one a tough break for Mansfield because they have a great block there.

Just a little too strong.

That one though catches the hands.

That was going to go long.

But Brinley Reeves couldn't get a touch on it or does get a touch but couldn't keep it alive right there.

Her hands buckle up Bobby, because we are tied 2020 right now and Mansfield's fighting for championship.

Harding over here fighting for one more set.

Morgan right into a double block.

It's there for Mansfield trying to move things across the floor.

Now.

The Tigers a chance to add to it.

And they do too often.

One more time from the left side that's blocked out of bounds.

And Mansfield four points away from a championship.

And Harding Academy does not have a time.

They blocked in again the right place at the right time even though that was put down.

They're going to get Harding with a net violation.

So now the Tigers three points away.

And again Coach Francis has no more timeouts here.

He's depending on this senior led offense in the six on the court service of the East.

Step on points.

Harding Academy able to handle it.

Now have a chance to turn it into some offense.

Set back that offense.

Here comes Ellie Morgan right into the arms of Kaylee Ward.

Another one almost put down.

Nice job by Harding to keep it alive.

But that one's going to go well.

Long and Mansfield, their crowd is certainly into it.

All the momentum.

They can feel it now.

Harding trying to bring it back.

Four straight points for Mansfield.

Tip goes across the Tigers chance to add to it.

They can't go the blocks there.

Six Morgan and 22 site.

There defensively and stops the run.

That's what they needed.

And now you've got Ellie Morgan back up here to serve.

And Morgan has had a little too much power behind her serve.

She needs a good one right here.

That one though cannot catch that far line.

And it is Championship points for Mansfield.

It's tough for her who's been so powerful at the net service just hasn't been there.

So back to serve now Molly Clopton, the sophomore that went into the net.

You just imagine the way to back that up.

Yeah.

She almost felt a little bit rushed I felt like that.

So back to the other way.

It's going to be Gabby Matheny wants a timeout wants to talk it over with me.

I think Coach Francis said thank you for that.

Yeah I think Coach Powell sees her young team.

Other than Ward, a lot of sophomores and juniors who haven't been in this situation said, hey, I better calm them down.

They know that they're a point away from winning a state championship.

We got to settle the nerves and realize, hey, there's still work to be done.

And you take a deep breath.

Mansfield again looking for another state championship.

They have eight in school history run through 2009, 12, 13 and 14 and had a six year gap but won four in a row.

2023 2023 Harding Academy won their only appearance in the state finals, and that's 2011.

Harding needs to put the to a run here.

They're going to be on the service line again.

It's going to be Gabby Matheny, the libero, 55, junior.

Horn's going to sound and we're going to be ready to go.

Both teams out a timeout.

So this one is going to be settled on the floor.

No more stoppages.

Let's do it.

Buckle up.

Mansfield can't control the serve.

So Harding a chance to go on the offensive.

And 18 quickly put down from Jason Reeves.

It is loud in this arena as it should be right now.

This is nail biting volleyball, Bobby.

Another championship point though.

Coming for Mansfield 2423.

Tigers in front.

It's time they handle the service.

Nice dugout from Harding.

They're going to have to work to gets us alive.

Does it get a cross.

Yes.

Well done by Ellie and Morgan.

They quickly set it in the middle tip.

Harding a chance to tie it and tips dugouts again for Mansfield.

Goes to the back row dug out by Morgan right into the block and can't be handled.

Harding all the way back to tie.

It's well done.

And that one.

By Brinley Reeves the sophomore for.

Let's look at this defense to track that down well and Morgan just to give it enough power to keep it one inbounds and to go over the net.

Yeah.

Can't you have to have a lot of credit to Matheny to dive into the meteor row to keep it alive?

Now a reminder you got to win by two bob, right?

Oh that one into the net, though.

So Harding gets all the way back to tie it with that attack error.

Is Mansfield the 2524 lead and a chance to serve a three state championship here.

They lead quick another sophomore back to serve.

The quick set rewards there for the blocking to tip.

And that's how it ends Kaylee Ward the block the tip and a championship for the Mansfield Tigers.

How fitting for Kaylee Ward.

Don't hurt her.

Now she's got basketball season to get ready for, but that dogpile very much worth it for the senior in this Mansfield team or taking another trophy back home.

What an effort between these two teams Harding Academy and Mansfield.

But it's the Lady Tigers who are again taking a championship trophy back home to the river Valley, going to step aside.

Handout some hardware coming up as you've been watching the Centennial Bank State Volleyball Championships presented by Everett Buick, GMC.

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And Mansfield is taking home another state championship for the ninth time in school history.

The Lady Tigers finish on top, this time in class three A and Kaylee Warden Company had to get it out Alissa, but found a way to hold off Harding Academy.

They did, and what a gutsy performance by Harding Academy to battle with this Mansfield team and Mansfield able to dig down deep when they needed it the most in that final fourth set to get the win.

And Kaylee Walker, NVP taking that momentum into basketball season.

She is.

But congratulations to the Tigers.

They're going to go celebrate with their fans.

That came all the way from the river Valley to hang out.

Here's some final stats with this championship.

Harding Academy actually led in the kills category 5545.

You see the 31 more attacks.

The hitting percentage is pretty similar though.

But the aces there for Harding Academy, the blocks were there for Harding Academy.

It's those gutsy plays, those gritty plays that Mansfield just continue to make time and time again.

Yeah, and that's where you really gotta tip your cap to being able to just stay the course for the Tigers and continuing to just do what they do best and Kaylee Ward right here just, you know, mixing it up, going with power, going with finesse.

Then you look at on the other side with Cass and Reeves, 12 K's to her name, Ellie Morgan I think would be the player of the match for Harding Academy and everything that she did for this team to keep them in these games and these were close.

Outside of that third set, that Harding Academy one, the Wildcats were right there in it.

So that is going to put a bow on volleyball season.

Congratulations to Pulaski Academy Marion Conway Hackett.

And in this one Mansfield they're your five volleyball state champions in Arkansas for 2025.

So that's going to do it for the volleyball season.

But coming up next.

How about flip the ball a little bit.

Was that same season the last week of the regular season on Friday got some really exciting matchups like Bryant and Conway coming up.

That's right.

That's going to be fun on Friday night.

And I'm looking forward to seeing what this postseason run looks like.

Bentonville has got a chance to cap off another perfect regular season.

So does Mansfield in Class three.

It's going to be really interesting.

Of course, all the football championship games going to be right here on Arkansas PBS.

Coming up on the first Thursday of December, running those first two weekends of the month.

And of course, we'll have all the action eight man all the way up through seven a I'll be there.

Alyssa's going to be there for some.

We are looking forward to bring you some football championships, but that's going to do it for us and here in Hot Springs for now.

So for my partner Alyssa Orange I'm Bobby Swofford.

Thanks for tuning in all day long as you've been watching the Centennial Bank State Volleyball Championships presented by Everett Buick GMC.

Have a good night.