VILONIA, Ark. — Last year, the Vilonia Lady Eagles made their first trip to Hot Springs in over a decade, but they lost in the Class 5A state title game to Greenwood.
“We’re glad last year that we got there and got to experience it,” Vilonia head coach Jeremy Simon said. “We just didn’t play our best; credit to them, but hopefully, this week will be a little bit different.”
This year's state title game is a rematch between the Lady Eagles and Lady Bulldogs.
“We’ve wanted a rematch,” Vilonia senior Lexy Heston said.
Vilonia junior Sidni Middleton said having Greenwood on the opposing sideline is a motivation for the team to finish the job this season.
"[We] wanted to be back in that gym playing for a championship again, but for it to be Greenwood is a big motivation for us,” Middleton said. “It’s definitely a bit of motivation, knowing that we get a second chance.”
Vilonia sophomore Maddie Mannion said the familiarity with Greenwood should help the team's mindset come game time.
"Knowing that we played in that same arena and got beat pretty badly," Mannion said. "It's really going to open up our mindset on playing against that defense."
Vilonia has already gotten a chance at a rematch, beating Greenwood earlier this year in regular-season play.
“Both teams are a little bit different now," Simon said. "That was definitely a big win, and we gained some confidence."
Of course, a win on Friday would mean something so much more.
“Either way we have our names on the board,” Heston said. “If we can get a championship that’s even better.”
Vilonia takes on Greenwood at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs on Friday at noon.