Mount St. Mary Defeated McGuinness in Volleyball Match
Coach James Ward reached a career milestone as Mount St. Mary secured a key victory on their home court.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Volleyball
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Mount St. Mary defeated McGuinness 3-1 in a volleyball match held on Thursday. The win allowed the host team to build momentum ahead of the upcoming state tournament.
Why it matters
The victory offered Mount St. Mary redemption following their loss to McGuinness in last year’s state championship. The result serves as a critical morale boost for the team as they look toward postseason competition.
Mount St. Mary earned a 3-1 victory, while coach James Ward secured his 898th career win. Individual standouts included Isabella Williams with 22 kills and 13 digs, Blair Smith with 23 kills, and Jentri Denwalt with 18 digs.
The players
James Ward
James Ward is a veteran volleyball coach who has now reached a career total of 898 victories.
Isabella Williams
Isabella Williams is a standout volleyball player who recorded 22 kills and 13 digs during the match.
Blair Smith
Blair Smith is a talented hitter who has committed to play for George Washington University.
Jentri Denwalt
Jentri Denwalt is a defensive specialist who provided 18 digs for her team during the contest.
The details
After shaking off initial nerves, both teams displayed high-level play throughout the four-set match. Blair Smith, a George Washington University commit, anchored the offensive performance alongside Isabella Williams, who also contributed five aces.
Timeline
The match took place at Mount St. Mary on October 8, 2026.
McGuinness is scheduled to compete in regional tournaments on October 12, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win positions Mount St. Mary as a serious contender for the state title by avenging their loss in the 2025 state championship. It reinforces their standing as they head into regional competition with a 31-9 season record.
Mount St. Mary improves their season standing to 31-9, strengthening their path toward the state tournament. McGuinness moves to a 23-8 record, shifting their focus to the regional tournament bracket scheduled for Monday.
The takeaway
Mount St. Mary has successfully utilized this late-season victory to gain momentum before tournament play begins. This win highlights the importance of psychological redemption in high-stakes high school athletics.
What happens next
McGuinness will begin participation in regional tournament play on October 12, 2026.
Further reading
For more local sports analysis, see the latest updates on Volleyball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oklahoman.
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