Jayda Matthis sends one over the net for the Dark Horses in the 2022 season. File photo Exploring the last decade of Sampson County volleyball Holly Leftwich digs a ball out for Hobbton in their 2016 playoff matchup with Bear Grass Charter. File photo Lakewood Senior Alana Jackson sets the ball for a teammate in a 2015 contest.
File photo Kaedyn Moran sends a devastating missile to the opposing side during the 2023 season. File photo Taylor Faircloth gets high for a big hit for Mintz Christian Academy in the 2020 season. File photo File photo Margaret Clark of HCA goes for the dig in 2014.
File photo Editor’s note: This is the second in a multi-part series covering the time period of 2014-2023 in Sampson County sports. Just after Thanksgiving, I revealed to the world (and the readers of Sampson County) my first entry in the series recapping the last decade of football within the borders of our beloved county — big wins, heartbreaking losses and how each fared against county foes. It’s time for the second entry, which is volleyball.
Volleyball in this area has been a staple for seemingly decades, especially if you ask area residents. Powerhouses have come and gone, and yet, some have stayed the course of success on the volleyball court. There are intense rivalries, back-and-forths between intracounty teams, and more parity than in football.
There are stories to be told, and after many hours of work, I’m here to tell them for you. I will admit that I haven’t historica.