LEBANON (Aug. 26, 2026) – Two volleyball matches to start the season and two wins for Lebanon (2-0). The start hasn’t gone as well for Honaker (0-2). On Wednesday at Charles C. Long Gymnasium, Lebanon pulled away for a 3-1 non-district victory over the Tigers. Set scores were 25-14, 24-26, 25-14, 25-17.
“Honaker battled,” said Lebanon coach Dennis Price. “They showed they wanted to battle back and force more sets, for sure. They got after it and outhustled us. We went through a period when they were out-hustling and out-working us. We got a little down. We quit communicating.
“You know, my girls got it together. We made a big run and took the momentum. Volleyball is a crazy sport. You can go from the bottom to the top – so fast. That momentum shift made a big difference in finishing the match, for sure.”
With the Pioneers leading 2-1 in the match, Honaker raced out to a 17-12 lead in set four. A service error by the Tigers brought Lebanon sophomore Raelynn Huff to the line. Huff reeled off a dozen service points to win the set and match.
“Raelynn got it done for us,” commented Price. “It’s so easy to tighten up and make a mistake in those situations. But it was big for her to keep those serves going and let us keep the momentum like that. She did a great job.
“The front line played well, too. We played better tonight than in our first match. And that’s what you want. You want to get better as you go.”
Was there pressure on Huff, a softball standout coming to the service line?
“I was doing my best just to hit my spots,” remarked Huff. “I love volleyball. It’s super fun. I don’t think it’s as stressful as softball. I like volleyball a lot.”
Huff finished with 17 service points, including three aces. She was also a factor at the net with four kills.
“Practicing with Coach (Kevin) Farmer has helped me a lot with my hitting approach and blocking,” noted Huff. “My coaches have helped me a lot.
“I feel great about this team. We will have a big year.”
The Tigers had some opportunities.
“When we play our game, we’re all right,” Honaker coach Lindsey Marshall said. “I have a young crew, and we’ve got to learn to play out the whole set.”
JuJu Farmer was outstanding for the Tigers with 11 kills and three blocks. Cadence Rose added five kills. Alivia Keene dished out 13 assists.
“Again, if we play our game, we’re good,” noted Marshall. “The second we show any weakness, it just spirals downhill from there. I have to remember they’re still young and getting used to each other. It’s only our second game. I know we’ve still got jitters, but we’ve got to work them out.”
Jaidyn Fields and Carlee Ingram totaled 11 kills each for Lebanon. The two, Fields (17 assists) and Ingram (11 assists), also directed the offense. The Pioneers had a big advantage at the net, 37-21 in spikes.
“We got a little mixed up a couple of times,” Price said. “We’re still working on the net and our blocking. I liked our rotation. We’re trying to find that. Things are going well for us. It’s early, with a lot of new faces. I’m happy for the girls. It’s always a big game when we play Honaker.”
The two clubs will meet again next week.
“We play at Honaker on Thursday. We have nothing but respect for them,” declared Price. “We have to regroup and get back after it. I’m proud of all the girls. I thought they did a great job for us.”
