CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After seven years straight of sectional round defeats, Clarksville High head coach Glen Fox admitted he didn’t know if a state tournament appearance would ever happen. On Thursday night, against Houston High School – the Germantown team that’s ended their season six out of the seven years in front of a packed crowd – the Wildcats pulled off a 3-1 win

The win sends Clarksville High to the state tournament in Murfreesboro for the first time in program history.

The Wildcats came out on fire, going on a 7-0 run to cause a Houston timeout to start the contest, led by great serves from Campbell Boisseau. The Mustangs rallied, however, tying the set at nine, and from that point on, the game was a struggle for each rally, where it felt like each point mattered more than ever.

The Wildcats went on a late run to win the first set 25-19, the first time they had won a set in the eight years of sectional appearances, and gave Clarksville confidence, showing they were here to win it.

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Houston didn’t lie down, though, taking control of the second set, and despite a late Wildcat rally, the Mustangs won the second set 25-20 to tie things up at one set apiece. Houston took a 23-19 lead in the third set and looked on their way to another sectional win before a furious Clarksville comeback, led by several Keira Garinger kills, to tie things up at 24, and the Wildcats won the second set 26-24. The game was flipped on its head, and it went from Houston having all the momentum to Clarksville being one set away from Murfreesboro.

Wildcats take it away

“We set the tone from the beginning,” said Fox. “That’s something we haven’t done in years past. We knew they weren’t just going to give it to us; the girls had a few errors, but sucked it up and rallied back. Those long rallies, those pushed us and sparked our energy, and allowed us to excel when we needed it.”

As soon as Clarksville smelled blood in the water, it was all Wildcats from there. The start of the fourth set was close, before Clarksville pulled away late for a commanding 25-16 set victory. Madness ensued as the sold-out crowd celebrated. Eight years of losses, defeat, and heartbreak were over, and the “Sectional Curse” was finally broken. The Wildcats were headed to Murfreesboro.

“It feels really special to be in this position,” said senior Keira Garinger. “This team knew what we were capable of and put the past behind us. It’s a crazy feeling to know we finally did it, and it’s special to be a part of this. We’ve grabbed another goal.”

What’s next for Clarksville

Now, the Wildcats will head to the state tournament as one of the last eight teams left in the state for Class 3A. Clarksville is slated to play Tuesday at Blackman High School against an opponent to be determined, and is three wins away from a state title.

“It feels surreal to be here,” said Fox. “This group was relentless all year, and never quit no matter the scenario. I’m so happy for them that their sacrifice has led to this reward. At this point, we’ve played a lot of these teams, it just comes down to execution and perseverance. We’re here now, why not us?”

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