In a highly anticipated matchup, East Union maintained its flawless record by defeating Walnut 3-1 on Tuesday, solidifying their status as a top contender in Class 2A volleyball. The victory keeps the No. 1-ranked Urchins at an impressive 20-0, while No. 2 Walnut, last year’s state champion, falls to 14-2.
East Union's head coach, Josh Blythe, emphasized his team's focus on the future rather than dwelling on their current success. "I don’t think about it. I don’t. Next game, practice, scout next team. How can we go play?" he stated, highlighting the Urchins' commitment to continuous improvement.
This win is particularly significant for East Union, as they have only lost twice since August 26, 2025, both times to Walnut. The Urchins are driven by the desire to replicate Walnut's success from the previous year, where they claimed the 2A state championship. Tuesday's match served as a form of redemption for East Union, who are eager to achieve similar glory.
The match began with Walnut edging out East Union in the first set, winning 25-23. However, East Union quickly regrouped and took the second set 25-20. The third set was a tense battle; despite trailing by five points, Walnut fought back to tie the score at 18. East Union's Ann Fleming Leflore delivered a powerful kill, contributing to her total of 25 kills for the match, helping the Urchins secure the third set 25-18.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Leflore expressed gratitude for her teammates, highlighting the contributions of Lily Kate Johnson, Reagan Johnson, and Lucy Cochran. "I just feel like we’ve come together greatly as a team," she remarked, showcasing the strong chemistry and collaboration among the players.
Defensively, both teams showcased their skills at the net. East Union's Lily Kate Johnson made a significant impact with nine blocks, while Reagan Johnson recorded an impressive 41 digs throughout the match. Walnut's players, including Molly-Kate Rolison and Kayleigh Steel, also displayed their abilities, with Rolison making several crucial plays to keep her team competitive.
In the fourth set, East Union took control, leading 22-12 after a block from Lily Kate Johnson. They closed out the match with a decisive 25-14 victory, further asserting their dominance in the competition.
Looking ahead, East Union will aim to extend their unbeaten streak on Thursday when they host Tishomingo County. Meanwhile, Walnut will seek to rebound from this loss as they prepare to face Hamilton. Walnut's coach, Kelley Hopper, acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat but remained optimistic, stating, "The first two sets, I was really proud of the competition. I was proud of the effort. The next two sets, I could see where we made too many errors, or we let up, just some things we’re definitely going to clean up."
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