Fight’n Maidens ride emotional roller coaster

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Jessica Jones fights back tears while be comforted by her father prior to the start of the match. Photos courtesy of Wolf Whitaker/www.wolfphotos.net
Jennifer Hunter, a freshman, is pictured in her position along the front row to start the match. A moment of silence was observed in honor of “Coach” Stacy Hunter, who was Jennifer’s father, moments before first serve. Photos courtesy of Wolf Whitaker/www.wolfphotos.net

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October 25, 2012

Fight’n Maidens ride emotional roller coaster

Jay Neal Jacksonville Daily Progress The Jacksonville Daily Progress Thu Oct 25, 2012, 09:08 AM CDT

JACKSONVILLE — On what was, arguably, one of the most emotional nights in the history of the Jacksonville Gymnasium, fans and supporters came out en masse to honor eight Fight’n Maiden seniors who played their final volleyball match Tuesday evening, as well as to pay silent tribute to “Coach” Stacy Hunter, a well respected and long-time pillar of the Jacksonville youth sports community, who passed away tragically on Saturday.

One of Mr. Hunter’s daughters, Jennifer, bravely joined her varsity teammates for the season finale, with several members of Mr. Hunter’s immediate family also in attendance in the very same gymnasium that Mr. Hunter had spent countless hours in through the years, teaching the children of Jacksonville the game of basketball as well as pridefully watching his daughters take part in volleyball and basketball.

Prior to the start of the match — which was won (3-1) by Corsicana — Jacksonville's bevy of seniors were introduced, along with various accompanying family members, and were presented mementos by the underclassmen.

While this was taking place, the public address announcer read aloud farewell messages and memories that were written by each departing player, with some of the personal reflections drawing chuckles while others produced streams of tears.

Jennifer Hunter, a freshman who was called up to the varsity team in mid season, got the start on the front line for the Maidens and immediately made her presence known on the court.

Jennifer Hunter served first for the Maidens and she also recorded her team's first dig of the match.

She ended the night with five spikes which was second best on the team — senior Shelbi Laney led Jacksonville offensively with 17 kills, including the first point of the match which was a hard slam off the left side that ricocheted off a Corsicana players' upper body.

Chancii Scott, also a senior, added three kills.

On a night, that will not soon be forgotten in the hearts and minds of those present, when the Fight'n Maidens so courageously proved that it really is ok to cry, the local sports community began its process to publicly remember Stacy Hunter and to show comfort and encouragement to the Hunter family.

NOTE: Jacksonville's list of seniors included, Mackenzie Crow, Alayna Jeffcoat, Carey Johnson, Jessica Jones, Shelbi Laney, Keevie Mathis, Destiny Pugh and Chancii Scott...The eight combined to play a total of 27 seasons as Fight'n Maidens.

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Fight’n Maidens ride emotional roller coaster

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