Learning to finish

Pleasant Valley comes up with big answers to Jacksonville surges, gets eighth victory of the season in five-set thriller.

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

PLEASANT VALLEY — Two-time defending Class 2A state volleyball champion Pleasant Valley just keeps finding that champion’s edge, and the Raiders found it Thursday against Jacksonville.

Ella Parris led the way with 20 kills, and Pleasant Valley answered the Golden Eagles’ surges to win a five-set thriller at home,  23-25, 25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 15-6.

The Raiders improved to 8-4 while Jacksonville dipped to 8-7. More importantly for the Raiders, they found an edge they’ve sought while trying to replace Class 1A-3A All-Calhoun County player of the year and state-tournament MVP Lily Henry.

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