TO SALUTE THE BRANCHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THE TEAM'S EXCEPTIONAL PLAYERS, COACHES, AND STAFF ON CAPTURING THE 2016 CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, well prepared for the challenge, the Branchville High School volleyball team (31-6) powered its way to the 2016 Class A State Championship title, defeating the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) with a 3-2 tie-breaker set win on November 12, 2016, at Dutch Fork High School; and

Whereas, having almost made it to the mountaintop several times, Branchville climbed to the pinnacle in the 2016 championship competition. The Lady Yellow Jackets triumphantly took home the first state volleyball title in school history, and it felt good; and

Whereas, in facing an impressive GSSM performance, the Lady Jackets never backed down and never gave up; rather, they displayed determination much like what they had shown just a few days earlier, when they won the Lower State title in similar five-set tie-breaker fashion at East Clarendon; and

Whereas, with grueling practices, hard work, and commitment, Head Coach Ron Nester, Jr., built his volleyball program into championship quality and plans to keep it that way; and

Whereas, the Branchville High School volleyball team has brought great pride and recognition to its school and community, and the House of Representatives is pleased to have this opportunity to recognize such a wonderful group of young women. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, salute the Branchville High School volleyball team for its outstanding season and congratulate the team's exceptional players, coaches, and staff on capturing the 2016 Class A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal David Hess and Head Coach Ron Nester, Jr., of Branchville High School.