Nevada volleyball finally playing at home, but where?

Saturday, September 17, 2011

By Jason Peake

Herald-Tribune

NEVADA -- Road warriors so far, the Nevada High School volleyball team will finally be playing a home date.

But the big question is not when, but where. The Tigers are scheduled to host Carl Junction on Tuesday night.

According to Athletic Director Kevin McKinley, there have been some issues inside the gymnasium at NHS, meaning the team may be forced to play elsewhere.

"We have some bleacher issues that we're getting repaired and, hopefully, we can get them repaired in time," McKinley said earlier this week. "If not, we may need to host a volleyball game at another venue. It won't effect the entire season."

The school realized there was a mechanical issue with the bleachers in August.

At that time, other options were explored, with Cottey College, Nevada Middle School and the Osage Prairie YMCA as possible solutions. The middle school is hosting a match on the 20th, there are scheduling conflicts at Cottey that day, so the YMCA looks to be the best option.

McKinley noted the school's goal is to have the bleachers fixed in time for Tuesday's match with Carl Junction. If that doesn't happen, the game will be moved to the YMCA.

McKinley said two other upcoming home dates, Sept. 22 vs. Stockton and Sept. 27 vs. Joplin, could be held at the middle school if needed. For now, it's wait and see.

McKinley said a decision will be made on Monday as to the venue of Tuesday's match.

No matter where they play, Nevada Coach Ashley Thoreson said her team is more than ready to play a match in town.

"The girls and I are all really excited to finally have our first home game," Thoreson said. "We've had a rough few weeks on the road, coming really close to beating several of our opponents, but just couldn't finish. I believe with playing this week at home for the first time, the home crowd and all the excitement will help us push to the end of our games, and hopefully come out with a few wins."

Thoreson said she expects Tuesday's match to be played at NHS.

Dig for a Cure is Oct. 13

The Nevada High School volleyball team will host the second annual Dig for a Cure event on Thursday, Oct. 13.

The Tigers host McDonald County that night, beginning with a freshman match at 5 p.m. The JV and varsity matches will follow. The event will benefit cancer research. There will be a silent auction, face painting, hair feathering, cookies for sale and more, the coaching staff said.

All proceeds from the night will benefit the Nevada R-5 Relay for Life team and Vernon County Cancer Relief, Freshman Coach Erin McCullough said. McCullough said the school invites everyone from the community to come out and support the fund-raiser. Thoreson gave McCullough credit for getting the event going.

"This was something she wanted to take on and she has really done a great job planning and getting everyone excited about it," Thoreson said. "It's for a great cause and we hope to get a lot of support from our fans and the community."

Contact McCullough at 417-448-2040 ext. 4033 for more information or to donate.

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