Already the owners of a school record for victories, the Pineville Lady Lions added another milestone to a memorable 2023 season with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-17 win Tuesday over Knox Central to capture the program’s first 51st District Tournament title.
It’s a surreal moment to be honest,” Pineville coach Samantha North said. “We have worked and dreamed about this game since we started the team back in 2016, and now we finally have that first district championship. I was very confident in our team coming in. I felt like I could really let them loose and they would take care of business. I don’t think I called a timeout the whole game, even when we got down, because we were so locked in and ready for the moment. This was their game, their moment, and I am so incredibly proud of this team for finishing the job.”
Ava Arnett led the Lady Lions with 11 kills, 10 blocks, nine digs and two service aces. Kamryn Biliter also had a big all-around night with nine digs, eight aces, eight assists and one kill. Addison Slone added eight kills, seven digs and one ace. Brynlee Sizemore chipped in with eight assists, five digs and four aces. Makayla Terrell added eight digs and two aces. Kadence McQueen had two kills, three blocks and one dig. Nadine Johnson added three digs and one kill. Brooke Harris added five digs and three aces. Mackenzie Caldwell had five digs and one assist.
Both teams advance to the 13th Region Tournament, opening Saturday at noon at Lynn Camp High School.