If Fountain Lake is going to punch its ticket to Hot Springs, the Lady Cobras will need a big performance from senior outside hitter Baylee Hedges Baylee Hedges 5'8" | OH/DS/L Fountain Lake | 2027 AR .

Hedges is the kind of six-rotation player every coach loves to have on the floor. She can put balls away from the outside, but she’s just as valuable in the back row, where her defensive play helps keep Fountain Lake in rallies.

We saw just how important she can be in the 3A South Regional championship against Conway Christian. Hedges finished with 13 kills and 10 digs as Fountain Lake rallied from a two-set deficit to win in five. Those 10 digs tell you just as much about her game as the 13 kills. She’s not just an offensive option. She’s a player who can make an impact throughout all six rotations.

Now Fountain Lake faces Charleston, another team that knows a little something about coming from behind. Both teams won their regional championships with reverse sweeps, and both have shown they can handle pressure.

For the Lady Cobras, Hedges will need to be productive on both sides of the ball. Charleston has been playing some of its best volleyball of the season, and Fountain Lake can’t afford to give away easy points.

The senior has already shown she can deliver in a big match. Now she’ll have another opportunity, with a trip to the state championship on the line.