News Summary
In their home opener, Starkville High School’s volleyball team faced Caledonia, losing the match 3-1. Despite the setback, the Lady Jackets showed resilience by winning the third set. Head coach Meghan Mullane, newly appointed, aims to build a successful program for the future. Key players, Zariyah Edwards and Riley Suggs, have received notable recognition, adding optimism as the team prepares for upcoming matches and focuses on improvement for the rest of the season.
Starkville, Mississippi –
In a challenging home opener for the 2023 volleyball season, Starkville High School (SHS) fell to Caledonia with a final score of 3-1. The match, held on Tuesday night, marked a difficult start for the Lady Jackets as they struggled to combat the visiting team’s momentum.
Starkville initially fell behind, losing the first two sets. However, they managed to secure a victory in the third set, showcasing determination and resilience. The fourth set proved to be a tough battle, but SHS was ultimately edged out, concluding the match with a score that reflects a mixed performance.
Despite the setback, optimism remains within the team. Newly appointed head coach Meghan Mullane, who recently took over the program after the departure of former coach Haley Maughan, expressed a forward-looking attitude about the prospects for the season. Mullane’s arrival is a significant change for the Lady Jackets as the coaching staff aims to build long-term success.
Coaching Transition
Meghan Mullane’s introduction as head coach came just prior to the match against Caledonia, following a decision made by athletic director Greg Owen to seek someone committed to the program’s future. Mullane brings a wealth of experience, having coached previously at Stratford High School in Houston, Texas, and enjoying a commendable career as a four-year starter in softball at West Texas A&M. Her move to Starkville was influenced by personal ties to the area as well as favorable community feedback.
Team Highlights and Individual Achievements
This season, the Starkville High School volleyball team has notable talent, with players Zariyah Edwards and Riley Suggs standing out in the MHSAA Region 2 All-Region team. Both players received recognition on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national watch lists as potential stars, enhancing the team’s profile heading into the competitive season.
Riley Suggs was honored as the Starkville High School Defensive Player of the Year for 2023, finishing the season with impressive statistics including 44 aces, 239 assists, and 129 digs. Suggs is also among a select group, being one of only 27 players in Mississippi listed on the AVCA High School Girls All-American watchlist.
On the offensive side, Zariyah Edwards has emerged as a vital contributor for the team, leading SHS with 85 total blocks and 103 kills during the season. Her excellent performance earned her the title of Starkville High School Most Valuable Player for 2023, along with a spot on the AVCA High School Girls Phenom watchlist, which includes just 26 players from the state.
Looking Ahead
With the home opener now behind them, the Starkville High School volleyball program is focused on sustained improvement and aiming for success in the MHSAA playoffs. The combination of a talented roster, a new coaching strategy, and a positive outlook provides a foundation for potential growth as the season progresses.
The team’s next match will offer another opportunity to bounce back and implement lessons learned from the opening night defeat. As the athletes and coaching staff continue to refine their skills and strategies, the community is watching closely, hopeful for a competitive and successful season ahead.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Starkville School District: Volleyball’s Rally Falls Short in 2025 Home Opener
- Starkville Daily News: Rally Falls Short for Lady Jackets in Volleyball
- C Dispatch: Starkville High School Names Meghan Mullane New Volleyball Coach
- Sports Illustrated: Starkville Announces 2025 Football Schedule
- Starkville Daily News: Lady Vols Set to Open Volleyball Season
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Google Search: Mississippi High School Volleyball
- Google Scholar: Volleyball Coaching in High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Google News: Mississippi High School Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
