The trophy case outside of Sale Creek’s McEwen Gym isn’t big enough for all of the hardware won by the high school’s volleyball program
Led by the mother-and-daughter coaching combo of Debbie Hill and Erin Briner, the Lady Panthers have been particularly successful over the past 15 seasons, when their 37 trophies include 15 straight district championships, 10 straight region titles, 10 sectional triumphs, a state runner-up plaque and last year’s TSSAA Class A championship trophy.
Briner is in her fourth season at the helm for her alma mater since taking over the highly decorated program her mother — and current assistant coach — had led since 1981.
Once again, Sale Creek will end its season in Murfreesboro at the state tournament after Thursday’s home sweep of Smith County in a 1A sectional.
The Lady Panthers have now advanced to nine straight state tournaments, and they will continue their tradition of going to eat at Cheddar’s on the way out of town Monday before beginning their bid to repeat Tuesday.