LEBANON (October 15, 2026) – On Thursday at Charles C. Long Gymnasium, the Lady Pioneers got the job done.
Despite building sizable leads in every set, Lebanon had to fend off a strong challenge from Richlands to earn a 25-19, 25-22, 25-14 Southwest District sweep.
“Richlands is going to fight, and they played hard against us both times we played them this year,” remarked Lebanon coach Dennis Price. “There’s a bit of a rivalry because we’re close, but we knew they weren’t going to give us anything. We knew we’d have to earn everything we got, so I thought we did a good job tonight.”
“What we hadn’t been doing was staying the course and not panicking. We handled those situations much better tonight. We did a better job mentally and didn’t let things get to us. I was happy with the way the girls played. It was much better for us.”
Richlands (5-13, 5-6 SWD) has played well in their district games.
“We’ve had a long week, and it’s taken an emotional, mental, and physical toll,” said Richlands coach, Aaron Buchanan. “This was our third match this week, and we’re trying to fight through it, find the right combinations, and get ready for the district tournament.
“We’ve got Southern Gap on Tuesday, so that’s the plan. We want to go down there, hopefully get a better seed, and earn the chance to host a district game at home.”
To the Blue Tornado’s credit, Lebanon had a hard time putting them away.
“The girls don’t quit. They battle,” noted Buchanan. “I’ve got some good senior leadership with Averi Fuller, Patlyn Barnett, Haven Crabtree, and Casey Addison. Those girls play their hearts out. They try to lead these girls, and they’re working hard.
“They’ve been successful not only on the volleyball court but also on the soccer and softball fields. That carries over, but we get a little frustrated sometimes.”
Defeating Richlands was their sixth straight win.
Lebanon (18-7, 10-1 SWD) lined up a critical rematch with Marion, whom they host on Thursday.
“This is going to be a year I’ll never forget,” Lebanon outside hitter Jaidyn Fields said. “It’s been an amazing year for me and my team, and I’m so proud of everyone.
“From the beginning of the season to now, I feel like we’re a whole new and improved team. We work together so well. We’re still improving, and I see us going far this year.”
Jaidyn Fields led the Pioneers with 13 kills and also had nine assists and 14 digs.
“Jaidyn had a good game on the outside,” Price noted. “She does a good job. She’s one of our seniors and wants to perform well. Jaidyn’s attitude is outstanding every night, and so is her work ethic. She deserves everything she gets. Jaidyn is a very good, smart outside hitter who knows how to mix things up and place the ball when things aren’t going well. I thought she did a good job of that tonight.”
Abigail Mullins led the middle hitters with eight kills. Kaytie Lampkin added five slams, while Carlee Ingram and Rhealyn Barton hammered four spikes each.
“All the middles did well,” declared Price. “All the girls in the middle had at least two or three, with some having quite a few more. We really played well in the middle tonight. When we get those passes, we can run the middle, and the girls did a good job of passing.”
Fuller (nine kills) and Maddie Webb (five kills, 10 assists) powered the Blue Tornado. Barnett (27 digs) and Ava Lester (22 digs) paced the defense.
The SWD’s final regular-season week and tournament will be interesting.
“It’s a very competitive district,” remarked Buchanan. “You could go in and lose any night of the week, and we’ve competed against all the teams. We’re not losing by much. The Southwest District is very competitive, and hopefully we can reach the district tournament and show what we can do.”
Heading into the season with a young team, the Pioneers are happy with their position with one game remaining.
“I think you’d have to be happy with where we are,” Price stated. “We’re proud of the girls. It’s going to be a big game on Thursday. Marion is our last regular-season game. That’s what you look forward to this time of year.”
It comes down to Lebanon and Marion, the only district team to beat the Pioneers.
“I think that was what everyone expected,” Jaidyn Fields commented. “That’s what it’s been every year, but we’re going to take the next few days to prepare and come in Thursday rolling. I have high hopes for us, and I know we can get it done.”
Marion will still need SWD wins over Graham and Virginia High, in which they will be heavily favored, before traveling to Lebanon for the showdown.
What is the key to the Pioneers’ victory?
“Focusing and getting the ball into the open spots,” stated Fields. “That’s the key for us, along with sticking together and keeping our energy high. Finding the open spots is important. Marion is a great team, but I think if we play smart, we can get them.”
