South Effingham Middle Lady Mustang volleyball team celebrated its undefeated season and accomplishments last Thursday at Rincon Church of God.   

Don Adams, owner of Kelly Tours, assisted with the program as the moderator. Head coach Amy Duke and assistant coach Jeff Faith recognized the student-athletes with the following awards.

The “Rising Star” award went to current sixth grader Dionna Hartfield.  The “Queen of Aces” award went to eighth grader Jessica Bitting. The “Sparkplug” award went to eighth grader Mallory Adams.  The  most valuable player award went to seventh grader Allexus Wiley. The “Academic” award went to eighth grader Hannah Anderson.

Game balls were presented to five student-athletes who exhibited the kind of character and skills that helped the team throughout the season. Recipients for game balls went to Kenerly Gordon, Jacqueline Richtman, Addie Kicklighter, Megan Spence and Megan Williams.

The volleyball program began four years ago at SEMS. Although volleyball is not recognized as a sanctioned sport in the Coastal Middle School Region, interest at the other middle schools are on the rise. Currently, SEMS competes against Effingham County and Ebenezer middle schools and a few private schools in the area.