Sports

Halfway through the season, the Exeter volleyball team has endured a grueling road schedule — only two of the first 10 games at home — but the Lady Tigers have a special match coming to their court next week. On Tuesday, Exeter will host Southwest in the annual “Pink Out” contest, which has a deeper meaning for the team this season.

At a special meeting on Friday, the Mid-Lakes Conference voted to add Hollister, Reeds Spring and Springfield Catholic, reducing the Big 8 to 11 schools for the 20242025 school year. More about this story will be released as a fuller picture of the future Big 8 comes into focus.

Purdy volleyball senior Rylee Stanford was in fourth grade the last time the Lady Eagles won a district title, and she and new Head coach Barry Wheeler aim to lead Purdy back to postseason glory and revive a program that has not had a winning season since 2015. Wheeler, who brings nearly four decades of club, high school and collegiate coaching experience to Purdy, said the Lady Eagles’ best quality this season is their effort on the floor.