Pelion’s volleyball team is in the midst of its 2025 campaign and looking to make a final push towards the postseason while relying on a mix of experienced and youthful talent.

The Panthers began this week 8-9-1 overall and 1-1 in region play. The team has six games left this season after traveling to Strom Thurmond on Tuesday. 

“We’re off to a good start,” head coach Elizabeth Peeples said. “ Their experience is contributing, I think, a lot to our success so far, and I'm hoping we can keep that up in region play.”

Pelion is led by seniors Hayley Maxwell and Addyson Wade. Junior Lexi Hansen is one of the team’s top outside hitters and has taken control this year. Peeples described her as a power hitter and noted she leads the team with over 80 kills this season.

“ They're doing a really good job of leading the younger girls, which I think is gonna help us in the future,” Peeples said. “But this year, their presence on the court and their leadership, the way they talk to each other and their positive energy, I think all of that contributes to, not just their skill level, but just their knowledge of the game and how to be good teammates. I think it is what's making the biggest difference for us.”

The main goal for the Panthers this season is to get to the playoffs and advance deep. It all starts with placing highly in the region, something the team is well aware of. 

Last season, the Panthers finished third in the region, their worst finish since 2020. Pelion was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after having to travel to Liberty. 

 ”Obviously, we always want to win the region at least and go as deep into the playoffs as we can,” Peeples said. “I would definitely like to see an improvement from last season, so we're just going to go out there and win as many games as we can.”

To improve on last season, Peeples said Pelion will need to elevate its play to close the season. She wants to see the girls hit better on offense and continue settling down on defense. 

The defense was a notable weak point at the start of the year for the team. They have since improved considerably and are looking to get even better, Peeples said. 

“ We weren't playing as strong a defense in the beginning, and now we're turning that around, and we're starting to move better on defense and picking up tips and just covering the court better.”

As the regular season comes to a close and the playoffs near, everyone will have to step their game up. It will take a team effort to reach their goals. 

No individual can get the job done alone. Fortunately, Peeples knows her team’s strength is their cohesiveness. 

“ We don't have any necessarily standout players,” she said. “The strength of our team comes from the way they work together collectively, and that it truly is a team effort.”

Remaining schedule

Sept. 25 - vs Batesburg-Leesville

Oct. 2 - at Ninety Six 

Oct. 7 - at Saluda 

Oct. 9 - vs Strom Thurmond 

Oct. 14 - at Batesburg-Leesville

Oct. 16 - vs Silver Bluff