The Savannah Arts Academy Panthers won the silver bracket at the You Got Served Tsunami Volleyball Tournament on August 11, 2023, in Tyrone, Georgia. The Panthers went 5-2 in the tournament, defeating Jonesboro, Whitewater (2x), Davidson, and Trinity Christian.
Scores - SAA vs. Whitefield: 16-25, 15-25; SAA vs. Jonesboro: 2-0 (no scores report): SAA vs. Whitewater: 25-11, 25-21: SAA vs. Kell: 16-25, 14-25: SAA vs. Davidson 25-8, 25-7: SAA vs. Trinity Christian 25-13, 25-19; Finals - SAA vs. Whitewater 25-17, 25-11
The Panthers were led by a balanced attack, with three players recording double-digit kills every match. Finn Higginbotham led the team with 64 kills, followed by Torrin Higginbotham with 53 kills and Valerie Kirk with 15 kills.
The Panthers also had a strong serving game, led by Lillie Coffey, who had 14 aces in the tournament. Coffey also had 96 assists, most on the team.
The Panthers' head coach, Lauren Lord, was pleased with her team's performance in the tournament. "The girls played very well this weekend and found their groove to help them this season," she said. "They were the only team to play 7 games the whole weekend, and they never gave up."
Key Performers
- Finn Higginbotham: Senior middle blocker, led the Panthers with 64 kills, 11 aces, 8 blocks, and 5 assists.
- Torrin Higginbotham: Junior outside hitter, led the Panthers with 53 kills, 8 aces, 5 blocks, and 20 digs.
- Valerie Kirk: Senior outside hitter, led the Panthers with 15 kills, 5 aces, and 10 digs.
- Lillie Coffey: Junior setter, led the Panthers with 96 assists, 14 aces, and 2 blocks.
The Panthers' record is 5-2 overall and 0-0 in GHSA Area 3-AA. They open up the Area season today at Savannah Arts Academy against Vidalia. The Panthers Junior Varsity team sets the day up at 4 P.M., and the Varsity follows at 5 P.M.
PHOTO CREDIT: Savannah Arts Academy
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