South Warren's Erin Nerland (29) hits against Allen County-Scottsville's Chloe Cook (3) and Nichole Carver (8) Tuesday, October 24, 2017, during South Warren's 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-11) win in the Region 4 volleyball tournament semifinals at Warren East High School. (Bac Totrong/photo@bgdailynews.com)

Before the season began, South Warren volleyball coach Justin Griffin knew he had holes to fill after losing five seniors who helped guide the Spartans to four straight Region 4 title games and two appearances in the state tournament.

While a core of six seniors has been a big reason why South Warren will face Letcher County Central at 8:30 a.m. CDT Friday in the KHSAA state volleyball tournament at Valley High School in Louisville, it’s been the play of three underclassmen that has helped fill the gaps from last year.

Sophomores Sophie Pemberton and Erin Nerland and freshman setter Sydney Clayton all played a big part in last week’s Region 4 championship, with Pemberton and Clayton earning all-tournament honors.

While the underclassmen enjoy the moment, Griffin praises their success and their continued growth at the varsity level.

“They’ve earned everything they have gotten,” Griffin said. “It’s good because they are going to be the backbone of the team moving forward. It’s good to get them this experience at a high level and let them know what it feels like to win a region championship game and go to state.”

Clayton has perhaps filled the biggest void, replacing South Warren’s steady setter Lydia Jackson. The freshman wasn’t the immediate replacement, but she slid into the role around midseason and hasn’t looked back since.

“I was a little scared at first, but I knew all of my teammates and coaches had faith in me that I was able to fit the position well,” Clayton said. “They were all really nice about it and they really helped me with that transition.”

Griffin said the offense has picked up since Clayton took over as the setter.

“She kept improving every single day and kind of proving herself in the freshman games and (junior varsity) games, to the point where we were comfortable with putting her in there,” Griffin said. “She’s done a phenomenal job since she’s been setting our team. We are just happy that she has given us a little more life in that position and energized that team.”

Pemberton has already seen the Spartans’ success from afar, watching sisters Sarah and Sydney play in two state tournaments for South Warren in 2014 and ‘15. When South Warren won the region title last week, Pemberton made sure to share the moment with her sisters, getting a picture of the championship trophy with them.

“That is how I started liking volleyball – from watching them play,” Pemberton said. “I’ve always hoped to be like them and to be as good as they are.”

Griffin said Pemberton brings the same intangibles on the court as her sisters.

“Obviously her two sisters were winners,” Griffin said. “They came through and really set the standard for this program. Sophie has been around those two long enough where it kind of rubs off on you a little bit.

“She is the same kind of player. She’s just a winner that goes out and does everything you need her to do and she does it at a real high level.”

Nerland had to deal with a position change this year, swapping from outside hitter to right hitter with senior Hannah Yonts. She said that transition was made easier because of Yonts, who helped her slow down her game and not try to play too fast.

“I think it is really cool because I originally started out as an outside hitter and transitioned to be a right hitter,” Nerland said. “She did the same thing. We switched positions, so we kind of got to help each other this year.”

Nerland’s athleticism continues to impress Griffin.

“She is probably one of the most athletic players that we have in the gym,” Griffin said. “We always feel comfortable when she has the ball over there that she can put the ball down. She hits it with a lot of pace and that is usually what gives other teams troubles. She has done a fantastic job.”

The trio’s stellar play has not gone unnoticed from teammates as well. Senior defensive specialist Mary Pitts said the three players are awesome on and off the court and the future of Spartans volleyball is in good hands with Pemberton, Clayton and Nerland leading the way.

“It’s really impressive because they have come up and played as well as anybody would have expected and anybody would have wanted,” Pitts said. “It’s really exciting to know that we have them below us.”

And while the spotlight will be brighter this weekend, Griffin said he has nothing but confidence in his underclassmen.

“I think I always saw that they had the ability to have big-time roles with our team,” Griffin said. “They’ve shown that they have earned those spots and continue to get better.

“We are just excited to have them go showcase it at the state level.”{&end}