Team victorious on final home game for seniors
By Kelly Griffith news@bullardnews.com

Left, Senior Allison Burton with her parents, Catherine and Scott Burton and right, Senior Whitney Lust with her parents, Denise and Kerry Greene stand while being honored at Senior Night before the commencement of their final home game.

The Lady Panthers stormed the court recently to defeat the Canton Eagles in what would be the last game for all but the varsity.

The game also was one of few more high school games varsity seniors, Whitney Lust and Allison Burton will participate in.

The seniors were honored as each was escorted to the court by their parents before the game started.

Each was given a bouquet and balloons from their fellow teammates and in return had a gift for their coach.

"My seniors are irreplaceable," Coach Kala Laningham said. "They both have major roles on our team, and I attribute a great deal of our success this year to their experience and encouragement."

On a more personal level Coach Laningham said Burton works hard through every drill and practice. She asks for guidance and is always working to improve and is also one of the most positive people she has met.

"She really has rejuvenated the team these past few weeks with her solid defense and constant encouragement," Coach Laningham said. "She has tackled every responsibility that I have given her this year with 110 percent and no attitude."

Lust was attributed by Coach Langingham for her knowledge of the game as well as her knowledge of her teammates.

"As our captain, she has had a great deal of responsibility in working well with each player on the court. I love her great attitude and her confidence goes unmatched," Langingham said.

After the exchange of gifts and hugs the girls switched gears and took to the court to win 25-5, 25-9 and 25-10 against the Eagles.

Calli Miller led in kills with 13, Ashley Davis, Ashley Ricci, Elisia Coleman and Valarie Roberts each had four kills. Whitney Lust had 33 assists for the game and Ashley Ricci and Allison Burton each served two aces.

The junior varsity girls also defeated the Eagles winning, 25-5 and 25-8. The team ended the season being second in district.

"They're a great group of girls and I am very proud of them," Coach Nanci Dixon said.

The Freshman team also won 25-21 and 25-17 making their district record 6-4.

"We had our ups and downs," Coach Tammy Rooney said, "but the freshman girls turned out to be great.

Outstanding players coach Rooney said were setter, Felicia Sigman as well as Nikki Fuller and Mandy Gilliard for spiking and blocks.