Oakwood Varsity Lady Panthers “Bring the Wood”

OHS’ dynamic duo, #33 Quarterback Eric Ballard and #50 J.P. Hicks blocking. Friday night was Oakwood's Homecoming. Some of the volleyball players are also cheerleaders and others were Homecoming Queen candidates. Scheduling conflicts meant playing against the Chester Lady Yellow Jackets, rushing home to change clothes, get their hair and make-up done, and get over to Panther Stadium for the football game; all between 3:30 and 7:30. When nerves could have gotten the better of them, the Lady Panthers kept their cool. Specialty tshirts printed for Homecoming said, "Oakwood Panthers Fear Nothing." The OHS Lady Panthers proved this and the Panther battle cry, "Bring the Wood."

The OHS Varsity team quickly put the Yellow Jackets out of their misery with 25-9, 25-4, and 25-12. The Lady Panthers had places to go and people to see. From start to finish, the game only took about 45 minutes. That included the warm up.

OHS Panther #86 Kealyn Durham picks up a pass. Photo by Mac Shadix Felicia Williams showed everyone what "Bring the Wood" means with her 5 kills, 1 block, 5 "in your face" kills, 2 services aces, and 15 service points. Mary Rantala slammed out 11 service points and Melanie Minter had one of the best kills of the nights. Christina Hudson had 7 kills, 1 serving ace, and 8 service points. Her shining moment was the most amazing dig seen all season. Lisa Stevens had a well rounded night with 6 assists, 2 kills, 2 service aces, and 8 service points. So, did Jocelyn Williams. She had 10 assists, 1 service ace, and 7 service points. Ava Walker also had 4 assists and 6 service points. Between them, they really kept the floor covered.

The OHS Varsity Lady Panther volleyball players are beaming with pride after two wins in a row. They met the Lady Tigers of Kennard on Tuesday. After winning 25- 14, 25-12, and 25-5, those Tigers were more like kittens.

LEFT: Oakwood Senior #50, J.P. Hicks, shows his Panther pride. Photo by Melissa Missildine Christina Hudson had the top scores in serves with with 11 service points and 2 aces. She also had 2 kills. Mary Rantala was on her heels with 12 service points. Lisa Stevens had 8 service points, with 2 aces, 10 assists, and 2 kills. Jocelyn Williams was next with 9 service points and 9 assists. Ava Walker served up 6 points for her team and had the top score in assists, 11. Felicia Williams brought in 4 service points, 2 blocks, and an amazing 6 kills. She had the top kill number for the night. Jocelyn Williams picked up 8 service points as well.

The OHS Lady Panthers are looking forward to continuing this good run at Latexo Tuesday.
Oakwood Junior High and High School cheerleaders team up to throw out footballs to the classes with the most spirit. Photo by Melissa Missildine
Oakwood 1st grader, Joe Luis Rangel, shows off his Panther spirit. Photo by Melissa Missildine