SENATOBIA, Miss. — Pearl River volleyball's 2024 season came to a close Friday afternoon in the Region 23 Tournament. In the quarterfinal, Pearl River defeated Northeast 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-18, 25-15). The Wildcats then came up short against No. 1 seed and host Northwest 3-0 (19-25, 22-25, 25-15) in the semifinal.

"This season brought its trials, and nothing about it was easy, but these kids played hard through 38 matches," head coach Haley Chatham said. "They got so much better in three quick months, and they never gave up on this program or each other. In the last match, they competed and went down swinging, which is the only way to do it in my book.

"My hope is that they can reflect on their perseverance and be proud of it — celebrate how they finished and realize the fight that is inside each and every one of them and take that with them where they go. We are going to miss some really special sophomores, and we can't wait to cheer them on in their next chapters. I think this season has prepared our freshman ell for the next, and we can't wait to see what's in store for them."

PEARL RIVER 3, NORTHEAST 1
Pearl River (14-24) got off to a slow start against Northeast (5-28) but quickly found its footing. Despite trailing early, PRCC fought back to take the lead and continued to pack on points. After 30 points, PRCC was holding on to an eight-point, 19-11 advantage.

The Wildcats continued to add on and forced a Tigers timeout after taking a 23-14 lead. PRCC put the set to rest shortly after, winning it 25-17.

Northeast responded well in the second set of the afternoon. Despite a late Pearl River surge, NEMCC held on to even the set up at one apiece with a 25-22 victory.

In the third set, Pearl River stormed back in front, taking a 25-18 victory. The Wildcats took care of business in the fourth set, running away with things to win it 25-15 and advance to the semifinal round.

NORTHWEST 3, PEARL RIVER 0.
Pearl River pushed Northwest (24-8) in the opening set of the semifinal as the teams tied an incredible five times in the early going on the way to an 8-8 score. Despite trailing for most of the match afterward, Pearl River moved in front late in the set — aided by back-to-back Allie Richardson (Fruitdale, Ala.) and Morgan Mears (Hurley; East Central) kills. Unfortunately, NWCC responded by winning the set 25-19.

The second set was more of the same, with the teams fighting back and forth while looking for some breathing room. Pearl River kept it close until the very end, but the Rangers again took the second set with a late surge, 25-22. 

With the Wildcats on the ropes, Northwest took care of business in the final set of the night, defeating Pearl River 25-15.

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