If someone told Warren Central volleyball coach Matt Gullett five years ago that a program was going to be started at Warren Central and the team would be in the playoffs, he would’ve probably laughed at the idea.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

Gullett coached the Lady Vikes to their first-ever playoff berth after defeating Callaway in a four-game battle Tuesday, 3-1 (21-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-14).

The Lady Vikes (12-9, 4-2 Class III, Region 4) finished second in their region and will face either Desoto Central or Southaven Oct. 20. They have five regular-season matches left and are trying to finish with a winning record for the first time.

“We worked our hardest to show them we can win and succeed,” Gullett said. “The tribute goes to the girls. They’ve put in extra after practice. They’ve gone to the beach and bumped in the sand. It puts us in a place where we really wanted to put our program.”

Gullett is thrilled the most for his girls and the hard work they’ve put in is finally showing off.

“They come in and practice hard, they listen and learn. The seniors are leading and that’s what you want to see as a coach,” Gullett said. “They played some great opponents this year. We’ve got some good teams heading into the playoffs and we’re going to up our competition to prepare.”

It was Callaway’s senior night and the Chargers did their senior recognition between the first and second sets. The break gave the Lady Vikes time to relax and calm their nerves before getting back on the court.

The team celebrated the historic win by going to Zaxby’s, where they celebrated senior Liz Boyd’s birthday.

“The parents were thrilled and they really enjoyed watching this win, “ Gullett said. “It was a team win and it’s a lot of good feelings.”

Gullett said Jereka Willis had the hot hand of the night.

“She had some great kills and had some great front row play. She contributed a lot more than the few points she normally does,” Gullett said. “Jereka had about five or six kills but were big kills.”

Kayla Mayfield continued to show her dominance at the net with one block and seven kills.

Tae Hubbard was all over the place getting digs, which went right to her setter. Gullett said she had a great game and was in charge of the back row.

“It’s a great win for us,” Gullett said. “We lost the first game but it was close. The girls were a bit nervous and the net was a bit high. I had a good talk with them after the first set.”