Lady Hornets move to 35-0 after decisive three-set sweep to reach title match for sixth straight season

Hackett volleyball players pose with the student section following the Lady Hornets’ win in the Class 2A state semifinals on October 31, 2024.

HACKETT, ARK. – Through its first 34 matches, Hackett’s volleyball team had been unblemished.

Thursday night, the Lady Hornets wanted to make it 35. They did just that, with a three-set sweep against Taylor in the Class 2A semifinals.

“They’ve been focused all week, just on letting people see who we really were, and they’re just trying to be at the top of their game,” Hackett coach Bridget Freeman said. “So I feel like the preparations of our non-conference schedule and just playing hard and aggressive all year long, they’re getting to see the reward of it now.”

The Lady Hornets also wanted to take full advantage of the fact they were hosting state for the first time in program history.

“We just figured that if we were going to get to play on our home floor, we’ve got to show out for them, and everyone was going to be there watching us and we’ve got to do the very best we can for them,” said Hackett junior outside hitter Michaelyn Freeman, a University of Tulsa commit.

“We have such good chemistry, we work together so well. I mean, we’ve played together so long that we just know everyone, we know how to pick everyone up and be there for everyone.”

Several Hackett volleyball players pose with their coach, Bridget Freeman, following the Lady Hornets’ Class 2A state semifinal win against Taylor on October 31, 2024.

But now the big number left is one. Hackett will be making its sixth consecutive trip to the state finals, as the Lady Hornets face England at 3 p.m. Saturday in BankOZK Arena in Hot Springs.

After winning state in 2020, the Lady Hornets made it to the title game each of the past three seasons, but came back home as the runner-up. So will the fourth time be the charm this season, not to mention finishing with a perfect season?

“We know what it feels like to lose, so we’re just ready to know what it feels like to win,” Michaelyn Freeman said. “We’re really excited.”

Hackett already celebrated a state title earlier this year, winning it all in softball. As a matter of fact, the softball players – several of whom are on the volleyball roster – will receive their championship rings at halftime of Hackett’s home football tilt on Friday night.

4States SportsScene managing editor Buck Ringgold (@Bucks_Ballpark) will be there and provide live updates throughout the match.

Scroll down for live score and game updates from the opening set onward. Refresh this page for the latest information.

HACKETT 3, TAYLOR 0 (FINAL)

THIRD SET

– And that will do it, as Michaelyn Freeman delivers a strong kill on match point. Hackett with the three-set sweep and will face England for the 2A title Saturday in Hot Springs.

– Match point coming up for Hackett. Kinley James with the tip.

– Another Makenzie Freeman ace. Three points away now.

– Hackett is five points away from the sweep. Lady Hornets up 20-11 after Makenzie Freeman’s cross-court kill. Then Freeman serves up an ace. Four points away now.

– Another “She’s a sophomore” chant by the Hackett student section, this time directed towards Kali Reather, who drops one over the net to extend the Lady Hornet lead to 15-3. Hackett inching closer to Spa City.

– Ryleigh Decker delivers a kill from the front of the net as Hackett builds a 10-2 advantage. The Hackett student section is chanting, “She’s a sophomore.” Yes, the Lady Hornets are built for both now and in the future.

– Hackett out to a 7-0 lead in the third set. Catelyn Edwards has already served up a pair of aces.

– The PA system is playing “Bye, Bye, Bye” in between sets. A harbinger of sorts, perhaps?

– The third set coming up as Hackett eyes a sweep in its final home appearance on the season.

SECOND SET

– Hackett takes a convincing 2-0 lead after a decisive 25-5 triumph in the second set. Makenzie Freeman with the emphatic kill for that 25th point. Lady Hornets one set away from going to Hot Springs.

– Tremendous teamwork all the way around from Hackett. Several players are in on the action delivering kills, and the Lady Hornets hold a commanding 18-4 advantage. Taylor calls a time out.

– Hackett continues its onslaught, scoring six of the first seven points in the second set.

– The second set is about to get under way.

FIRST SET

– Hackett easily takes the opening set, 25-6, with Michaelyn Freeman delivering a kill at set point. Freeman already with several kills on the night.

– It’s now 19-2 Hackett as Kinley James just served an ace.

– Hackett has jumped out to an 11-1 advantage in the opening set. Lady Hornets definitely looking the part of the title favorite thus far.

– A service error breaks the early seven-point surge and gives Taylor its initial point of the match.

– Hackett races out to a 7-0 lead in the first set. The last three points were on kills by three different players: Makenzie Freeman, Kinley James and Michaelyn Freeman.

– Tonight’s Hackett starting lineup: Catelyn Edwards, Kinley James, Michaelyn Freeman, Kali Reather, Makenzie Freeman, Ryleigh Decker and Lilly Oxford.

– Hackett and Taylor players are warming up with more than 10 minutes left until the match starts. The winner will take on England, which swept Ozark Catholic in three sets, Saturday in Hot Springs.

– Hackett will take on Taylor in the second of the two 2A semifinal matches taking place Thursday on the Lady Hornets’ home court. The first semifinal pits Ozark Catholic against England, which kicks things off at 5 p.m.

Buck Ringgold | @Bucks_Ballpark | realarklahomasports@gmail.com