MOULTRIE – Last Saturday the Colquitt County Middle School volleyball team went undefeated during the Back to School Volleyball Bash hosted at Brooks County.

“The girls pulled out all the stops and I am so proud of them,” said head coach Megan Baker.

Including Colquitt County, four teams competed in the mini-tournament. Thomas County Central, Brooks County Middle School and Highland Christian Academy were the other three teams.

“I think it was their dedication to summer practices that got us here,” said Baker. “They all came ready to learn and tackle new skills. It prepared us to do as well as we did in the tournament.”

“It really was a team effort,” said Baker. “Their energy and sportsmanship level was 100 percent.”

In fact, the sportsmanship Colquitt County displayed resulted in the Highland Christian Academy head coach coming over to thank the girls.

“The team didn’t have a big fan base at the tournament and so they weren’t getting a lot of love from the crowd,” said Baker. “On each play, no matter if our girls got the point or not, they cheered.”

Baker went on to explain that the coach from the Highland Christian Academy commented how his team, though they lost, had the most fun playing against Colquitt County and having our girls cheer for their team made all the difference in the determination and attitude of their play.

“The girls felt so good when they left,” said Baker. “That’s what playing sports and being an athlete is all about — having fun and having good sportsmanship.”

Earning special acknowledgement were Drew McCloud, Emma Lofton, Brooklyn Faucett and Bella Reagan.

“Those players are very familiar with volleyball,” said Baker. “Their leadership and skills have really helped the team feel confident…and has helped the girls fall into place and we all just rock and roll when playing now.”

In addition to the players, Josie Wade, assistant coach, has also contributed to the team in a major way.

“She’s been helping the girls learn their rotations,” said Baker. “She’s been using her prior experience as a Lady Packer volleyball player to really assist us in practices.”

The Colquitt County middle school volleyball team plays their next game in Cook County on Tuesday afternoon.

“It was a great day,” said Baker referring to the tournament. “We are ready to do it again.”