Portageville volleyball team attends camp

Members of the Portageville Lady Bulldogs are, front, from left, Grace Rone, Alora Dunlap, Destinee Adams, Jaelyn Milam, Dasmine johnson, Maggie Frakes; middle are, Haley Willett, Emmas Smith, Molly Staffey, Hilary Kelley, Rilee Matlock, Madison Lovins, Jauslyn Johnson; back are, Garielle Madison, Selinah Taylor, Zarria Taylor,  Haylie Hammack, Alexa Priggel, Kellsie Jones, and Camryn Spence. -Scott Seal photo

The Portageville Lady Bulldogs have started their season and are now 2-1 after their win against Hayti last Tuesday night. “There were times we did not play well, but we played hard,” said Coach Barry Branscum.

“We are very excited about the rest of the season. having three games under our belts shows us what area we need to work on,” he said.

After losing four players last year, several key players that gained valuable varsity experience last season are back. They are Zarria Taylor, Alexa Priggel, Haylie Hammack, Selinah Taylor, Jauslyn Johnson, and Dasmine Johnson.

“These girls have been working very hard all summer and their work really showed at the summer ending camp in Camdenton. We played several very high level teams and held our own against the competition as well as pulling off some nice victories against some teams much more experienced than we were. We start off with a long run of conference games this season so the beginning of the season is very important for us,” Branscum added.

“The Bootheel Conference is very competitive and we have been preparing for those games all summer. I am very blessed with a large group of girls that show up every time we open the gym for volleyball and that encourages me as a coach and makes me look forward to working with them. I think we will be a fun team to watch this season that will play with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and confidence,” said Branscum.

Branscum has been the head coach for 10 years.

Recently attended the Licking Volleyball Camp July 18-20. They had two teams compete in a total of 13 matches gaining valuable experience for the upcoming season.

“55 teams competed in the two day camp.  We have been attending the Licking Camps for the past nine years and the camp is always a highlight of the summer and the culmination of our summer activities,” said Volleyball coach Barry Branscum. 

“During the summer, we have on average 21 girls showing up each day for workouts and practices.  The girls invest a lot of time and effort into the game and as a coach I feel very blessed that they show so much dedication.  Their dedication makes coaching very enjoyable and I couldn't be prouder of the effort they display each day for our school and volleyball teams while learning the valuable lessons that come with being part of a team,” he said. 

Assisting Branscum the year is a former student and player Sasha Starnes.