Warm-up day for WCMS
Photos from WCMS volleyball Facebook page
The first test of the preseason gave Warren County Middle School plenty to build on.
The Lady Pioneers opened preseason play Saturday in Coffee County, where the varsity squad finished 2-1 and the junior varsity continued gaining valuable experience against quality competition.
Warren County opened the day with a three-set victory over Eagleville, winning 21-15, 25-9 and 16-14. The Lady Pioneers followed with another three-set triumph over South Lincoln, rallying after splitting the opening two sets to claim a 25-22, 18-25, 16-14 victory. Their lone varsity loss came against Unity, falling 17-25, 28-30.
Coach Bethany Mesaros walked away encouraged by what she saw from her varsity group.
"It went really well for our first outing," Mesaros said. "Varsity went 2-1 for the day and showed a lot of promise both at the net and defensively. There was a lot of hustle out of every girl and they are learning to work together as a cohesive unit.
"Everyone showed so much promise for the season and gave me a lot of confidence moving into the season."
The junior varsity dropped matches to Eagleville (17-25, 7-12), South Lincoln (15-25) and Unity (24-26). Despite the results, Mesaros saw steady improvement throughout the day as players settled into new roles.
"JV is still learning, but got better each game," Mesaros said. "We are figuring out who works best in different positions and how they can continue to communicate when they get out of system.
"The most promising game was the last one of the day and I saw a lot of hustle and enthusiasm out of everyone."
Mesaros will lean on a 17-player roster this fall after announcing the team following May tryouts. The 2026 Lady Pioneers are Ellie Dixon, Khloe Howell, Lyvia Wilson, Fallon Youngblood, Emma Boon, Aylen Collins, Emmalyn Grissom, Ella Keith, Lillyana Reagan, Maebry Yates, Anna Kate Bryant, Emory Castillo, Karah Fish, Kynlee Hitchcock, Priscilla Moore, Daelyn Roland and Paisley Thomas.
The Lady Pioneers return to the court Saturday, Aug. 1 for a preseason playday at Warren County High School (3:30 p.m. start) before officially opening the regular season Monday, Aug. 3 against Westwood Middle School at WCMS. Opening serve is set for 5 p.m., with the Lady Pioneers beginning conference play the following night at home against Upperman.
