LEBANON — Junior Averi Russell made history on Thursday when she recorded her 1,000 career assists for the Pioneers.
“It’s great, but I can’t take all the credit,” remarked Russell. “It was a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without my hitters, passers, and their support. I’ve played with a bunch of teams through the years that have helped me a lot. This year’s team has been a tremendous help with all the communication.”
Russell came into the match with the Bulldogs with 965 career assists, needing 35 to reach the milestone. Leading 23-10 in set three, Russell perfectly set Braylee Tincher, who pounded the ball for the point. It put Russell squarely with 1,000 assists.
“I didn’t think she would make it tonight,” Lebanon coach Dennis Price said. “(Assistant coach) Terri Garrett said going into the third, she’s ten away. I knew she had a chance, it worked out. It was meant to be.
“Averi is a special player, she’s worked hard. I’m so happy for her, she’s so deserving. She’s quiet, Averi leads by example, but she can get loud when she wants to. It’s a great accomplishment for Averi, especially being a junior.”
The Pioneers won their sixth consecutive game, dominating Tazewell 25-18, 25-14, 25-10 for the win on Senior Night. Three seniors, Gabbie Steele, Ryleigh Buchanan, and Tincher, will fondly remember Tuesday at Charles C. Long Gymnasium.
“This was a great night for the whole program,” Price said. “We have three great seniors, and we’re really going to miss them. They’ve done so much for the program. They all played well this year, and with this happening for Averi, it’s a special night for us.”
Lebanon (11-10, 7-2 SWD) started with a 5-10 record, playing some tough competition, including a tournament in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They haven’t lost since September 19th, when they fell to SWD regular season champ Marion. They have been on a roll since then, losing only two sets in their last six matches.
“We’ve grown a lot as a team,” commented Russell. “We’ve learned how each other plays. All the girls have put a lot of work into this, it’s big for us to get on a winning streak.”
Leading the frontline against the Bulldogs were Gracie Crabtree (17 kills, one block), Tincher (eight kills), and Jaiden Fields (four kills). Buchanan (14 digs) and Russell (six digs) supplied defense on the back row.
“I feel good about how the girls are playing,” Price said. “We play hard on defense regardless. If we play under control, I feel they have a chance to do some good things. We understand how much of a roller coaster volleyball is, you can’t take a night off or a point off, or it will come back to haunt you.”
With the win against Tazewell, the Pioneers secured the second seed in the SWD tournament. The top four from the SWD tournament will advance to the Region 2D tournament next week.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Russell stated. “If we keep working hard, I think we will accomplish some things.”