Four Years, Four Titles: Portageville claims another championship

Portageville stands for a photo after winning its fourth straight Bootheel Conference Tournament Championship with a 3-0 win over Campbell at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

PORTAGEVILLE, MO. — A new standard of excellence has been set in the Bootheel Conference Tournament, as Portageville claims its fourth consecutive championship with a straight-set win over Campbell on Thursday, Oct. 17.

The Lady Bulldogs (27–4-2) ascension from contender to conference powerhouse can be attributed to the exceptional guidance and game-changing smarts of coach Sasha Kellams, a former Portageville star who has brought her championship pedigree back home.

“I’m just super fortunate,” Kellams said. “These girls buy into what we are trying to teach them. It’s just becoming the culture here. We want this to be a volleyball school. It’s easy when you have this kind of talent. I’m very blessed that the kids want to work hard.”

Portageville senior Glo Farmer (11) spikes the ball for a kill during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

At just 27 years old, Kellams has already cemented her legacy as one of Portageville's most successful coaches, having guided the Lady Bulldogs to four consecutive conference championships and three straight district titles, with a chance for a fourth this year.

Her 110 career wins at Portageville are second only to legendary coach Barry Branscum, who mentored Kellams during her playing days.

In fact, Kellams was a key contributor to Portageville's first-ever district championships in 2013 and 2014, playing under Branscum, whose mentorship continued when Kellams returned as an assistant coach in 2018.

Portageville's Liza Priggel (1) secures a kill during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

This season marks a full-circle moment for the pair, as Branscum returns to Portageville to support Kellams' continued success, offering his veteran wisdom and sage counsel to the team.

“It’s been so much fun having him back,” Kellams said. “He is so knowledgeable of the sport. He’s been a mentor to me for so long anyway so having him right by my side this season has been such a blessing. He has so many wonderful ideas that he brings to the table. I’m so thankful for him.”

Portageville celebrates after winning a set during a 3-0 win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The unexpected injury to Juju Priggel forced the team to adapt quickly against the Lady Camels (16-11-4). Despite the setback, Portageville won the first set 25-17, securing the final two points with only five players on the court because it was out of substitutions.

“That gave us a lot of assurance, knowing we could do that,” said Maggie Priggel. “We have a lot of mentally strong people on the team and that just helped us grow our confidence even more. We’re just going to go out, keep doing what we are doing and have fun.”

Portageville's Taryn Irby (22) serves during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Portageville's balanced offense was on full display in the second set, with contributions from multiple players. Maggie Priggel's early kill gave Portageville a 6-2 lead, followed by Liza Priggel's ace and Glo Farmer's powerful swings to extend the advantage to 11-6. Taryn Irby and Bryleigh Adams also chipped in with key kills, helping the Lady Bulldogs maintain a comfortable lead.

Maggie Priggel's strong serving stretch, including two aces, helped seal the deal, as Portageville cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set.

“It looked a lot different than the way we had planned because of the injury,” Kellams said. “But we made it work. We had some girls step up and play positions they’d never played before. To be able to do that and still come out on top, we couldn’t ask for anything more. They kept rolling and had fun with it.”

Portageville's Glo Farmer (11) gets a kill during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The third set was the most competitive of the night, showcasing the intensity and skill of both teams.

Irby started the set with a powerful block, giving Portageville an early advantage. The Lady Bulldogs capitalized on their height advantage at the net, with Adams contributing three kills to extend their lead to 14-10.

Farmer's explosive kill, a devastating blow that smashed into a Campbell player's face, further increased the momentum to 18-13.

Portageville's Maggie Priggel (15) goes for a block during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

While Campbell mounted a late comeback, Portageville's dominance was undeniable.

The Lady Bulldogs' two standout performers, Farmer and Adams, were instrumental in securing the 25-23 win.

“We knew we couldn’t take Campbell for granted,” Kellams They are very aggressive at the net and with their serves. They have a very good team.

Portageville's Mia Scherer (20) sets during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We focused on going to specific spots. I’m proud of how they were super aggressive at the net. That’s the biggest thing, but of course, the communication too. If we didn’t have that then we could have easily fallen apart. They really stepped up to the plate.”

Farmer's all-around performance, including 13 digs, 11 kills, and three aces, was exceptional. Adams matched Farmer's impact, contributing 11 kills, 11 digs, and three aces of her own.

“It’s really exciting winning all four years, especially considering all of the different teams I got to play with,” Adams said.

Portageville's Lexi Priggel (12) digs during a straight-set win over Campbell in the championship of the Bootheel Conference Tournament at Portageville High School on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Irby also significantly contributed, adding 10 kills, five digs, an ace, and a block. Meanwhile, Scherer orchestrated the team's attack with 21 assists, two digs, and an ace.

A unique dynamic within the team is the presence of four related Priggel players, who have significantly contributed to the team’s success.

Liza Priggel's four kills, two assists, and a dig, along with Maggie Priggel's four kills, three aces, and three digs, exemplify their impact.

“We truly had fun out there,” said Lisa Priggel. “Even though someone got hurt, we still pushed through.”

Juju Priggel, despite her injury, chipped in with three digs, two kills, and an ace, while Lexi Priggel finished with 17 assists, seven digs, and an ace.

“It’s great having all of them,” Kellams said. “Not just them, but all eight of the girls are such a tight-knit group. We have great team chemistry and that can make or break a team.”

Portageville will close out the regular season against Holcomb (20-8-1) on Monday, Oct. 21, and on the road at Saxony Lutheran on Tuesday, Oct. 22.