Published: October 26, 2008 05:11 pm         

Seniors lead Lady Pioneers to another successful season

It was a bittersweet ending to the season for Stillwater's volleyball team, coach Ryan Webber and especially for seniors Chelsey Huddleston and Mikka Mattox.

Stillwater, which was appearing in the Class 6A State Tournament for the sixth straight season, was sent home early as the Lady Pioneers were ousted in four games by eventual state champion Owasso.

Top-ranked Edmond Memorial was upset in the first round by Broken Arrow, which opened the door for the rest of the field. It was a scenario that would have favored SHS if it has been able to solve the Lady Rams' attack.

Some might find a moral victory in losing to the state champion. For the Lady Pioneers, it only increased the disappointment.

'I really do think we could have beaten them since we split with them during the (regular) season,"� Huddleston, a 5-10 senior middle hitter said of Owasso."We were the only ones to win a game from them at State, but that made us realize that could have been us in the finals.

"We watched the finals and that was really hard,"� she added.

Mattox, a 6-0 senior right setter, agreed.

"We knew that we were better, but we just didn't show it. It made it even worse seeing them in the finals. We felt like that's where we should have been. It was really disappointing,'� she said.

Coach Webber was saddened, disappointed and proud of his team's effort at State.

"With as many seniors as we had this year (10), it was very emotional when our season ended,"� the successful SHS coach said. "I was extremely proud of the team and the young ladies as they battled the Lady Rams at State."

Coach Webber was pleased with the team's effort and performance this season, especially from the 10 seniors. Huddleston and Mattox were two seniors who have played since eighth grade and two who contributed to the team’s success during their careers.

"I feel like we left a good legacy and that we all contributed to this team,'� said Huddleston, the daughter of Darren and Renee Huddleston. "I think it shows the players coming back how hard they need to work to continue the success.

"I know I've progressed as a player in the program, especially with the help of Coach Webber, he's one of the best coaches around,"� added Huddleston, who is a member of Beta Club, Key Club and Student Council at SHS. "I think I became a better player."�

Since she gave up other sports to concentrate on volleyball in the eighth grade, Huddleston, who also spends time as a dancer at Encore Dance Studio is adjusting to the realization that her high school career is finished.

"I don't think it's really hit me yet that it's over. It is weird thinking about it being over since I've played for so many years,"� she said. "It seems like this year has gone by very fast. I plan to continue playing club volleyball, which will start next week."�

Although undecided, Huddleston, a second-team all-conference selection, is considering majoring in fashion apparel design, probably attending Oklahoma State.

Mattox, the daughter of Mike and Dana Mattox, said the realization that her prep volleyball career had ended sunk in almost immediately.

"I think it hit me that night of the state tournament,"� said Mattox, a National Honor Society and Beta Club member and an academic all-conference selection. "It was really disappointing when we lost. It was a very emotional night when the realization hit that we weren't going all the way."

'Always in the back of your mind, you think you should have done better, but we did accomplish some goals. I believe I'm more mature as a player and more aware of what was going on around me."�

"We had all played together as eighth graders and we all became friends , we trusted each other,"� added Mattox, who plans to major in either general business or become a physical therapist.

"Chelsey and Mikka have both made huge contributions to the Stillwater volleyball program,"� said Coach Webber. "Chelsey was a three-year starter and a member of four state tournament teams. Mikka was a three-year starter and a member of three state tournament teams."

Both are wonderful young ladies who worked hard day in and day out. Chelsey and Mikka leave as two of the most consistent hitters in SHS history. Chelsey was second on the team this year hitting .301 and Mikka was fourth hitting .250.

"Mikka also attacked at 93 percent overall, which is one of the best percentages we've ever had. Chelsey attacked at .255 for her career which put her in the top five all-time."�

He added, "Both young ladies were far more important to Stillwater volleyball than their stats. Both are good students and do a good job representing the Lady Pioneers in all they do."�

That's the important legacy the personable Lady Pioneer duo will leave behind.

     

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