State volleyball: Lady Wildcats advance

Winning a playoff contest against such a strong opponent meant a great deal to the Apalachee program.

“We grew up with this win,” Alfonso said. “Hopefully, it will make us believe we can beat good teams. Sequoyah is a solid team and well coached. We still have some room to improve. We have still not played our best. However, our girls have overcome a great deal and showed a lot of heart and a lot of character tonight. We were unsure of ourselves after losing the second game.”

With encouragement from Alfonso, the Lady Wildcats continued to battle and eventually would win 3-1.

“I told them this was our home and we had worked too hard and too long to let it get away,” Alfonso said. “I hope this win will catapult us into next week.”

Senior Ryan Burk had a strong performance Thursday, along with several of her teammates.

“Ryan had one of her better games of the season,” her coach said. “She puts a lot of pressure on herself. She is our only club player. She can be dominating on the court. She’s our captain and she feels she has to always do well.”

Senior Katie Dean dislocated a finger during the first round matchup but would return to the court and continue playing.

“She showed a lot of heart by going back out there,” her coach said.

Senior Sherry Phomally, who was recently named Area Player of the Year, also had a standout performance in the opening round. Alfonso said’s Phomally’s ability to play each position on the court helped make her Player of the Year.

The second round of the state tournament will be held Tuesday with AHS continuing to host. Alfonso said Friday morning the second-round match will begin at 5:30 p.m.