It's a new ball game for Kosciusko volleyball. The Lady Whippets were region champions the past two years while playing in a weak 4-4A with Louisville, Greenwood and Yazoo City.
Kosciusko will be in a much stronger region this year, 3-4A. Louisville and Greenwood are still region opponents, but it's the two new region foes, Caledonia and Houston — especially Caledonia — that make the sledding a lot tougher. Caledonia is merely the defending 4A state champion with a 3-0 victory over Pass Christian in the title match 10 months ago.
It was Caledonia that defeated Kosciusko in the opening round of the 2021 playoffs.
“We're a lot more experienced this year,” said Kosciusko coach Taylor McDole. “We lost some key players, but we have a lot deeper bench so I'm feeling good about this year.”
McDole mentioned three key players, senior Haley Olive, junior Mary Kimble Price and sophomore Gracie Kate Burrell. “They're the top three showing out now. It could change in a week.”
Olive is returning from knee surgery resulting from a basketball injury, but has been cleared to compete. Price is the team's best server.
Burrell was the libero last year, a defensive player confined to the back line. She will be playing front and back this year.
The schedule began Tuesday with a home match against McAdams. The next match will be Tuesday at Newton County.
The Lady Whippets have three more matches with Attala County opponents, at Ethel August 21, at McAdams August 24 and home against Ethel August 31.
The 4A playoffs begin October 7. The top four teams from 3-4A will qualify, with the top two at home for the opening round.
Kosciusko 2023 Volleyball Schedule
August 8 McAdams Home
August 15 Newton County Away
August 21 Ethel Away
August 22 Houston* Away
August 24 McAdams Away
August 28 Houston* Home
August 31 Ethel Home
September 5 Greenwood* Away
September 7 Greenwood* Home
September 12 Caledonia* Home
September 14 Noxapater Hone
September 18 Noxapater Away
September 21 Louisville* Away
September 26 Caledonia* Away
October 2 Nanih Waiya Away
October 5 Eupora Away
* - Region 3-4A
