Volleyball set for run at state

Fayetteville came up just short of a state title a year ago, but the Lady Purple Bulldogs come into this week's Class 7A state tournament with plenty of momentum. Fayetteville (31-3-1) lost in the state finals last season but rolled through 7A-West Conference play unbeaten and has not lost to an Arkansas opponent this year. The Lady Purple'Dogs are led by a pair of sophomores, who are among the best young players in the country. Ella May Powell, a 5-foot-11 setter, and 6-2 outside hitter Haley Warner have formed a potent 1-2 punch this season and are already being recruited by some of the best college volleyball programs in the country. Fayetteville coach Jessica Phelan said one thing that's made this group special is how different players have stepped forward when some starters have been sidelined by injuries. "I feel like we're playing really good volleyball right now," Phelan said. "We've had some of our starters out here and there, but it seems like we haven't skipped a beat." That could be necessary this week, too, since 6-2 junior middle Faith Waitsman has been out with an ankle sprain the past couple weeks. Phelan said Waitsman's status for the state tournament is uncertain, but having a first-round bye and and an extra day to rest is helpful. Defending state champion Bentonville (22-11) could be Fayetteville's biggest obstacle, but the Lady Tigers have lost two competitive matches to their 7A-West rivals this season.

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VOLLEYBALL SET FOR RUN AT STATE

PAUL BOYD

NWADG | 10/27/2015

PHOTO CREDIT: NWADG