Volleyball team places New Albany for chance to play for sectional title

by Austin Bainbridge

The Jeff girls’ volleyball team has a chance to win the sectional championship by just winning two games tomorrow. They will play a 8-23 New Albany squad, which has been 2-14 since Sept. 22. Then, if Jeff wins they will take on the winner of a Seymour (10-18) and Floyd Central (26-5) contest.

“Only being two wins away (from the championship) is really exciting, and I think we have a good shot to go all the way,” said coach Wes Briscoe.

Players like junior outside hitter Jayli Burris feel the excitement around this team for an opportunity like this after finishing the regular season 10-20.

“We’re all feeling really hyped right now and we’re really excited about being able to get out there against New Albany and giving them a good game,” said Burris.

Burris boasts the second most kills for the Red Devils with 136 on the year, and she’s ready to keep the momentum going in this weekend’s playoffs.

“I know personally and as a team, we’ve been swinging harder than we have all season, and we’re going to hit well against New Albany,” said Burris.

Jeff has had a week to prepare and watch film on their opponents on Saturday and are ready to use that knowledge.

“We’ve been watching film all week, and I think we’re really prepared — we know their defense, Floyd also I’m feeling pretty good and prepared,” said sophomore Jordyn Miller.

Briscoe hopes that with the extra preparation the term “prepared” will be understatement for this team.

“The greatest coach of all time, John Wooden, said he wants his team to be so prepared he could be a spectator while they play and not have to coach. I’m hoping we can have something like that on Saturday,” Briscoe said.

Red Devil fans can listen to the game on 98.5 Jeff FM this Saturday at 11 a.m. and then 6 p.m. if Jeff advances.