Volleyball visits Austin Peay
Photos from the WCHS Volleyball Facebook page.
The Warren County Lady Pioneers returned home from Austin Peay State University with plenty of confidence and valuable experience after turning in a strong showing during team camp over the weekend.
Warren County's varsity squad finished 5-2 while the junior varsity posted a 4-3 mark against a field of unfamiliar competition, giving coach Erin Blalock plenty to like with less than a month remaining before the start of the regular season.
"It was our first time we've been to Austin Peay, so we didn't know what to expect," said Blalock.
The camp opened with a day and a half of drills and skill work before transitioning into tournament competition by Sunday night. Both the varsity and JV teams impressed immediately, earning the No. 1 seed in their respective brackets.
The JV team advanced to the championship match before falling by a single point, while the varsity squad reached the semifinals.
"It was a really good weekend," said Blalock. "We got to see some good competition and the girls got to work on some things. We won some and the rest wasn't losing, it was learning. We got to work through some things so we're not doing it in September."
The Lady Pioneers also had to navigate the weekend shorthanded, competing without three players. The absences forced Warren County to shuffle both its lineup and rotations, perhaps a blessing in disguise as coach Blalock was immediately able to see her team’s versatility.
"Some were playing positions they aren't used to playing and it was encouraging to see them doing the things they're doing, especially with us being in the preseason," said Blalock.
The demanding schedule also tested the team's endurance.
"The girls are probably worn out. They've played a lot of volleyball in the last 48 to 60 hours," Blalock said Monday morning. "We saw a ton of good things."
Some of the teams Warren County matched up against throughout the weekend were Rossview, Kenwood, Fairview and Innovation Academy. Almost every battle was a fresh perspective for the Lady Pioneers, another big boost according to their coach.
"We got to see some teams we don't usually play against," said Blalock. "And that's what summer camps and playdays are for - seeing different competition."
The Lady Pioneers won't have long to wait before getting back on the court. Warren County will host its own preseason playday Aug. 1 before traveling to Gatlinburg for the Attack at the Rock tournament Aug. 8 as preparations continue for the 2026 season.
