When Lady Wildcat volleyball libero junior Anna Hudgeons found out they had made it to state, she was not surprised but she was happy about having an opportunity to play at the state level.

“We were confident that we could compete for State,” said Hudgeons. “After we win a certain amount of games and compare our records at the end of the season, we know if we qualify for State.”

Senior right-side Kaysan Schneider is excited for state and ready to see how well her team was going to perform.

“I think we have a good chance of doing really well in this tournament,” said Schneider.

The Lady Wildcats have been to State six times since the start of volleyball program. Before they even play conference rival Fayetteville the Lady Wildcats have to beat Cabot and then advance to the second round to play the central conference’s No. 1 seed, Conway.

Volleyball coach Sandy Jones says their biggest challenge is playing teams they know nothing about.

“We haven’t been able to scout or receive any stats on the teams,” said Coach Jones.

However, the Lady Wildcats have the advantage where location is concerned. They play the first rounds at Rogers Heritage and the finals at Joneboro.

“Playing close to home, where the team can sleep in their own bed and no long travel [is an advantage],” said Coach Jones.

She says that she is looking forward to State because it gives the senior players a chance to play in a state tournament.

“These memories will last forever,” said Coach Jones.

Another reason is their possibility of winning a state championship.

“My favorite part about participating in the State tournament is knowing we have a chance to win,” said senior middle Tayleah Neal.

Some people believe State is stressful, but Neal, who went to State the previous year with volleyball and two times with basketball, disagrees.

“If we start to lose it is stressful, but when we’re winning it isn’t,” said Neal.

The Lady Wildcats have used their season to prepare for state.

“State is the goal,” said Hudgeons.

In order to achieve that goal, they have been working harder and growing closer as a team and giving practices 110 percent.