Lady Panthers play first ever volleyball game under the lights in Missouri

It was literally a dream come true for Mountain Grove head volleyball coach Ashley Kell when her state-ranked Lady Panthers’ volleyball team played a game under the lights on the school’s football field last Thursday, Oct. 10.
This dream was likely inspired by a 2023 match-up between collegiate volleyball powerhouses Nebraska and Wisconsin in front of 90,000-plus fans on the Huskers’ football field.
With nearby Bolivar hosting a scrimmage this summer in their parking lot, Coach Kell knew that, with approval and financial support, that Mountain Grove could be the first program in Missouri state history to play a game under the lights outside on the football field.
With the support of the administration, the go-ahead was given to schedule an opponent.
In trying to avoid conference match-ups with just a handful of contests remaining on the schedule, Winona appeared to be the perfect opponent for their remaining schedule.
The Lady Wildcats beat Mountain Grove over the summer and are currently the No. 1 team in Class 1.
Coach Kell said that when she approached Winona’s staff about the idea, they were nearly as excited as she was about the opportunity.
With the help of the Mountain Grove band, cheerleaders and a large crowd in the bleachers, the Lady Panthers rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Winona in five sets.
They sealed the win with Rowen Kelly’s ace.
“It was super special, an electric you can’t describe,” Coach Kell said after the big win. “It was the closest thing to a football game my kids will ever get to experience...You couldn’t ask for a better atmosphere. There were great teams, great coaches, great programs and it was a lot of fun.”
In the match-up, the Lady Pirates jumped out by scoring six straight points to go in front 9-1 in the first set.
Raylee Stenzel then went on a tear with four kills and one block in a five point stretch to go up 19-8. Winona made a late charge to close the gap and eventually tying the Lady Panthers at 22-22.
Landry Golden had a big kill before two long hits gave Mountain Grove the first set, 25-23.
In the second set, Winona pulled away for a 20-11 edge.
Erecka Penner had a block and a kill to help cut the lead to 24-23 before the Lady Wildcats won 25-23.
Two service aces helped Winona to go up 20-19 in the third set.
A late kill gave them a 25-22 win.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Panthers came back in the fourth set behind two big Golden blocks.
Stenzel then added a touch shot and two kills to seal a 25-22 win.
In the fifth set, Mountain Grove jumped out to a 6-1 lead with the help of three Stenzel kills.
She had three in a row late before Kelly’s ace gave Mountain Grove a 15-7 win.
Before the varsity match-up, the JV team won their match in two sets, 25-18 and 25-17.
The JV girls had to wear sunglasses for the contest. Officials had the teams switch sides due to the placement of the sun for the match.
Coach Kell also wanted to thank the maintenance staff, who spent a couple of days setting up the field for the big game.