The six-hour ride back from Starkville, Mississippi this weekend was an easy one as Georgia Northwestern’s Lady Mustangs continued its march thru the Southeastern Conference volleyball club schedule in winning fashion as tournament action was held at Mississippi State University’s Sandersville Center.

The second-year Lady Mustangs had success in its last SEC event behind the big hitters on their front line, dropping opponents like the University of Tennessee at the Vanderbilt Commodore Classic.

This time, it would be setters Katie White and Allison Robinson who would set the tone at the MSU Bulldog Invitational event.

White, a 5-foot-3 sophomore setter from LaFayette, dished out 43 assists and served 11 aces through the quarterfinals, semis, and finals, while Robinson, a 5-6 freshman setter from Gordon Central, made save after save on the hardwood, racking up 42 digs for the same three rounds of play.

Northwest Whitfield alum, also made her presence known with 14 kills and nine blocks.

“We have a strong mix of players from across the region,” said GNTC head coach Tricia Goodwin. “Our hitters and setters are really starting to click.”

Among the Lady Mustangs’ victims was another big SEC name as GNTC took down host Mississippi State, 17-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-17. They would meet the University of Mississippi at Tupelo in the finals, where they fell 21-25, 23-25.

“Billy (Newcom, assistant coach) and I couldn’t be more proud of the work they are producing,” Goodwin added. “We have huge players from Gordon, Polk, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, and Hamilton Counties. It’s a big mix we have had to work with, but it’s the right mix.

"These student-athletes are doing a phenomenal job at the right time. All of this pressure, plus they have Winter Quarter finals coming up.”

The Lady Mustangs will be in action against fellow TCSGAA opponent, West Georgia Tech, at LaFayette High School this Saturday at 1 p.m.

The match will be a warm-up for a trip to Athens as the Lady Mustangs will take part in the University of Georgia Volleyball Club Invitational on Mar. 20.