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The Barnwell Warhorse volleyball team has been putting together a good season. This past week, the Horses had three matches and went a perfect three for three in their matches. The Horses defeated the Hurricanes from Hampton County, the Hawks from Blackville-Hilda, and the Cougars from Edisto to collect the three game sweep.
On Tuesday, September 17, the Horses traveled to Wade Hampton to face the Hampton County Hurricanes. Hampton has been a thorn in the side of the Horses for years, but this Warhorse team took care of business and defeated the Hurricanes 3-1 in a Region 7 AA battle.
Barnwell won the first set 25-22 and the second set 26-24. Hampton battled to win the third set 25-20, but that would be their only win as Barnwell closed the match winning the fourth set in a big way, outscoring the Hurricanes 25-9. The win was an important region contest.
The next day, the Horses hosted the Blackville-Hilda Hawks from just down the road. Several girls know their opponents a little better than most. The reason is that some of these girls get to compete against their cousins when Barnwell and Blackville-Hilda meet. It makes for a more spirited contest, with each wanting to have bragging rights.
This year’s bragging rights will stay with the Barnwell girls as they defeated the Hawks 3-0. Barnwell took the opening set 25-16. The second set saw the Horses win 25-17. Barnwell completed the sweep by taking the third set 25-15. The win gave the Horses back to back wins on consecutive nights.
On Thursday, September 19, the Horses would try for their third win in as many days, when they hosted the Edisto Cougars in another region match. Barnwell won the match 2-1 to make it three wins in three days. Barnwell won the match 25-11, 25-26, and 25-21. With the victory, the Warhorses raised their season record to 7-3 and are currently in second place in the region.
Barnwell head coach Kames Furtick was asked about her team’s 3-0 week and she said, “We were a little apprehensive leading up to the match at Hampton County because they always bring a good challenge. Their returners are quick and scrappy, and at times, we really lack those qualities. I was impressed with the way our team handled their nerves right off the bat and won the first two matches. Hampton was there to play and gave us a run for our money in the third set, but we were able to come back strong for the fourth.”
Regarding their Senior Night game against Blackville-Hilda, she said, “No one tells you the pride and the heartache that comes along when your first group of players graduate. When I started coaching in 2019, Rebecca Richardson and Tiera Arnold were on that middle school team at Guinyard-Butler. Being able to coach all of these girls is truly a pleasure. Their love for the game and their teammates makes each day fun and exciting. Coach Mindy and I are so grateful for the opportunity to honor them on Senior Night.”
She continued, saying: “We had a few players step up to showcase their skills at the match against Edisto. Jaidyn was a powerhouse at the net, which hyped up her teammates and really got them on a roll. This win was a perfect example of the depth in our program. While we are losing five seniors at the end of the season, we really have some great talent from all athletes. Every player was able to contribute to our win and I’m excited to see what happens in the next few weeks in the thick of region play.”
Barnwell will host Lake Marion this Thursday, September 26 as the regular season draws to a close and playoffs begin. Come cheer on your Warhorse volleyball team as they try to finish strong and make the 2024 playoffs! Let’s go Horses!
