It’s 1:30 on a Friday afternoon. There’s only one period left before the weekend, the game, the break. Students are already on the edge of their seats, but there is an extra reason for the Lady Spartan volleyball team to be excited. While some students spent the weekend playing video games or sleeping, the varsity volleyball team represented White Station at the Quad State tournament in Paducah, Ky. The team has been going to the Quad State tournament (named for the four states that attend the tournament) for four years. Although there’s a three hour drive, the tournament offers the team a lot of new opportunities.

“It gives us a chance to play competition we don’t normally see. It’s at our level, so we can win some, lose some,” Coach Teresa Thomas said.

McKenzie Cornell (11), who has attended the Quad State tournament with the varsity team for three years, agrees that attending benefits the team in more ways than one.

“We get good competition, and we definitely get better,” Cornell said.

In pool play, the Lady Spartans played Piggott, Marshall and Simon Kenton. After losing to Piggott 2-0, the varsity team went on to win against Marshall 2-0. On Saturday morning, the team played against Simon Kenton and lost 2-0.

Placed in the silver bracket, the Lady Spartans started off with a 2-0 loss to Henderson, followed by a 2-1 loss to Clinton County. The Lady Spartans ended on a high note, however, with a 2-0 victory against Christian Fellowship School in the last game of the tournament.

Although the Lady Spartans didn’t get a trophy or a title, the team learned from the matches. Especially heading into the postseason, this is essential for improvement so varsity can be at the top of their game.

“Just gaining our confidence and being able to play together and have a good time together is important,” Thomas said.