Lady Tigers volleyball moves forward to year two of program
Photo: Northeast Mississippi Community College volleyball team (Michael H. Miller/Northeast Public Information)
Aug. 22, 2024 – Year one of volleyball at Northeast Mississippi Community College featured a learning curve for every person involved with the program.
The 13 members of that original roster established the foundation for future successes. The Lady Tigers plan to move that needle even further in the right direction during season number two.
“We’ve had a year to get everything situated and some type of routine set up that’s not overwhelming,” said Northeast head coach Brenda Mayes. “I’m more focused on (the student-athletes) and what we’re trying to do.”
One of the biggest differences for the Lady Tigers when compared to the previous campaign is sophomore leadership. Four returners make up what will be Northeast’s inaugural graduating class.
Giselle Lopez of Belmont and Irby Norris from Hernando headline that group. They were elected by their peers to the role of team captains for the second consecutive year.
“They know what I expect. They’re two very experienced players, but they’re two good people,” Mayes said. “They’ve been doing a great job leading during our conditioning and making sure that everyone is where they’re supposed to be.”
Lopez was the libero for the Lady Tigers in each of their 30 regular season contests. She topped Northeast with 240 digs and 30 service aces plus had the second most reception attempts at 445.
Avery Thomas of Lewisburg and Norris combined for 4.75 kills per set. Thomas is a well-rounded player that also finished in the top four for the Lady Tigers in attacks, blocks, digs, points, receptions and service aces.
“Avery and Irby were our strongest hitters last year and they led the team in kills,” said Mayes. “We’re looking for an even stronger performance from both of them.”
New Albany’s Amberianna Shorter compliments Lopez nicely as a defensive specialist. She averaged 2.39 digs and registered the fewest errors of any Northeast standout with more than 250 receptions.
“They work so well together,” Mayes said. “They’re probably two of our biggest communicators. They’re constantly talking and that’s a good trait that a defensive player has.”
Another change for the Lady Tigers in 2024 is extra help from outside the borders of the Magnolia State. Four Alabama natives signed with Northeast, which had just one out-of-stater in its lineup one season ago.
Annie Shelby and Ava Siegel both earned All-State honors in their respective classifications from the Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association (AHSVCA) as seniors at Thompson and Deshler high schools.
Lindsey Davidson, whose mother and aunt both played for Mayes during her lengthy tenure at Muscle Shoals (Ala.) High School, comes to the Lady Tigers from Deshler as well. Drew Norris was part of two area championship teams at Haleyville High School.
Northeast boasts three rookies at setter, including a pair of former state title winners in Sophie Johnson of Caledonia and Marissa Morris from Lake Cormorant. Siegel could also rotate into this position on occasion.
A total of four Lady Tigers were crowned as champions by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) at least once. Joining Johnson and Morris are Hickory Flat’s Camri Westmoreland plus Lopez.
Carmen Johnson became the first East Webster High School graduate to advance to the collegiate level in this sport. Rounding out Northeast’s newcomers are South Panola High School products Amarii Chapman and Paris Morris.
“We’re excited about the girls that are coming in,” Mayes said. “I’m looking forward to seeing them compete against another team. They’re working really hard.”
