Lady Eagles celebrate Senior Night
BY LELAND ACKER STAFF WRITER

Senior Jerri l Hill sets a volley during Rusk's loss to Crockett last Tuesday. Seniors recognized on Senior night were Hill, Kristen Joyner, Meagan Richey, Rachel Mahaffey and Sierra Smith. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

It was the end of an era last Tuesday at Eagle Gymnasium, at least for five Rusk volleyball players who played the last home game of their career against Crockett. Jerri Hill, Kristen Joyner, Meagan Richey, Rachel Mahaffey and Sierra Smith were all recognized as senior Lady Eagles playing their final volleyball game at Eagle Gymnasium.

"I really was glad they played well for their last home game," Head Coach Tiffany Cooksey said.

The five seniors on the team participated in a program that went two years without a district win until last year when the team went 3-5 under the direction of Coach Cooksey, who was in her first year at Rusk High School.

Despite team improvements and winning third place at the Beckville Tournament this year, Rusk was unable to mark these seniors' final home game with a win.

The Lady Eagles lost to Crockett 27-25, 20-25, 22-25 and 12-25.

"We came out strong against Crockett from the start of the game," Coach Cooksey said. "In the first game, we attacked the ball well 25 times and had six kills. The games were close after that and we lost momentum in the fourth game."

Coach Cooksey said Rusk played well against the second ranked team in the district.

"We gave our crowd a game to enjoy, even though we didn't come out with a win," she said.

Standouts include Mahaffey, Charnell Franklin and Jasmine Harris, who combined for 12 kills. Sierra Smith and Jodi Walley served the ball perfectly. Jerri Hill made four digs on the night.

Rusk finishes the season with an 0-8 mark in district.