The Fairfield Lady Mules volleyball squad entered the 2019 season with a litany of goals they hoped to systematically tick off as they mowed through their schedule.
And make no mistake, mow they have. Nestled neatly between “win all our tournaments” and “make a postseason run” was “win conference outright.”
The Lady Mules split the BDC-East championship with Edwards County last year, and had not won the title outright since 2009.
Had.
Because on Monday night, the Lady Mules knocked off Edwards County, 25-14, 25-15, to move to 8-0 in league play with two conference clashes remaining. And with everyone else sitting on at least three league losses, the Mules can now check the box next to “win conference outright.”
The match also served as the annual Volley For A Cure night, as the two squads fundraise for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Leah Bowers goes for a block.
Fairfield took command of the opening set early, riding a 12-point run to a 15-4 lead. Junior defensive specialist Colbie Sutton served the surge, adding an ace. Kylie Stewart put down four kills in the run, while Nadia Reid had two against her former teammates. Reid and little sister Makana moved over to Fairfield this year from Albion.
Edwards County scored four in a row to get back within seven, but Fairfield followed with a 4-1 run to go back up double digits as Reid had two more kills.
The Lady Mules scored four in a row for a 23-11 lead, getting two kills from Jacklyn Simms. That was enough for Fairfield to trade points the rest of the way and win by 11.
Jacklyn Simms uncoils for an attack at the net.
In the second set, Fairfield jumped out to an 12-4 lead, getting four early kills by Simms. The Lions climbed back within four at 15-11 but then the Lady Mules went on a 7-1 run with Chloe Britton and Lexi Hobbs splitting serving duties.
Edwards County got back within eight at 23-15, but Reid and Callie Vaughan combined for a block to get to game point, and the Reid had a solo block to end the night.
Nadia Reid faces off with a familiar foe.
Fairfield (25-1) is at Eldorado tonight (Tuesday). They host Carmi Thursday for Senior Night, wrapping up conference play.
Chloe Britton swings away.
I Am Weez 