For just the second time in school history, the East Marion volleyball team won a playoff game.
East Marion (22-1) dominated Jefferson Davis County last Thursday at home, sweeping the Jaguars 25-11, 25-17 and 25-12.
The last time the Eagles won a playoff game was two years ago, and they advanced to the second round to take on Our Lady Academy. Their fate once again is the same as the Eagles hosted OLA, which has won six straight state championships, Tuesday night at home. However, results were unavailable as of press time Monday.
Head coach Mandell Echols said getting the first round playoff win was a de facto litmus test for his players ahead of the matchup with OLA.
“It felt pretty good,” he said Monday. “The girls were looking forward to it because it was going to show them where they stand and what chances they have to win the state championship because we’re playing against OLA, the six-time defending state champs tomorrow.”
Coming into the season, there was a cloud of doubt surrounding the Eagles as they knew they were going to be without their best player, Amber Willis, who suffered a knee injury running track. However, Tytianna Porter was the player Echols singled out as the player the Eagles needed to pick up the slack, and she has done just that all season.
Porter’s play on the court was at its peak against Jeff Davis as she led the Eagles in kills (11), aces (8), digs (6) and blocks (2).
“(Porter’s play) been crucial for us all year. She stepped up after we lost Amber,” Echols said. “Amber was our top player and after we lost her, I gave (Porter) the challenge and she stepped up to it.”
When it comes to attempting to end OLA’s reign, Echols believed the Eagles needed to limit the Crescents’ leading outside hitter.
“I haven’t seen them play this year, but I do know they still have the No. 1 player in the state, Emma Funk,” he said. “She’s a game changer. If we can minimize her kills, we’ll have a good chance.”
For that to happen, Echols singled out a few players who will have to be on their A-games defensively for East Marion to pull off the upset.
“Tytianna is always there at the net,” he said. “But I’ll also need McKinley Norman and Dontajha Stepney to step up defensively, and a couple of younger girls to come in and give them a break.”
If the Eagles do pull off the upset, they will be matched up with the winner between Resurrection Catholic and Salem in the quarterfinals.
Update: The Eagles were swept 3-0 by OLA Tuesday night.
Pictured Above: Tytianna Porter skies for a spike. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
