SPRINGDALE — Kristin Hylton likes volleyball matches that end with a headache.

The senior outside hitter has likely provided the opposition with plenty of pain, but Hylton said she puts a lot of herself into each match.

“I love it when I have a headache after the game,” Hylton said. “I’m very, very competitive. If I have a headache that means I’m screaming and putting all I have into it.”

Hylton has helped Springdale High to a 13-13 record this season, within one victory of a berth in the Class 7A State Tournament.

The Lady Red’Dogs can lock up that spot with a win over Fort Smith Northside tonight. Springdale is 4-8 and in fifth place in the 7A-West. But a loss could plunge Springdale into a three-way tie with Northside and Rogers High — a situation that could leave Springdale on the outside looking in come state tournament time.

The top six advance to the state tournament in Van Buren.

Hylton has adjusted to being a “go-to” player for the Lady Red’Dogs this season.

“It has its good points and bad points,” she said. “If I have a bad game and everyone else has an off game, too, I feel like I was responsible for that. But I think they feed off my enthusiasm.”

Springdale coach Nan Shamblen said there’s never been any question about Hylton’s effort or skill level.

“She was a starter as a sophomore on varsity because of her skill level,” Shamblen said. “Maturity-wise, she’s one of those kids who are pretty mature to begin with.”

Hylton even surprised Shamblen a bit when she came to Springdale three years ago.

“I didn’t realize how good she was,” Shamblen said. “Watching her in practices in the summer was one thing, but when I saw her in our first match, I was thinking this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime athletes that you get to coach.”

The high-flying Hylton not only leads with her physical performance but also emotionally and mentally.

“It’s a lot harder than it sounds,” Hylton said. “I can’t be the one getting frustrated. If I make a mistake, I can’t get down because my team will follow me.”

Hylton is almost like a coach on the floor, Shamblen said.

“She has outstanding court sense,” she added. “Kristin not only knows where she’s supposed to be on the floor, but she knows where everyone else is supposed to be, too.”

No one can question Hylton’s commitment to the Springdale High program, particularly since she had an opportunity to transfer to Springdale Har-Ber over the summer. Hylton plays club ball with several members of Har-Ber’s team

“This is my team,” Hylton said. “I couldn’t do that. They’re my girls.”

She admitted to having a lot of frustrations but no regrets about staying at Springdale High.

“When we’re on our game, I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” Hylton said.

Shamblen added she only tried to lay out the pros and cons of the situation for Hylton.

“That shows how level-headed and mature she is,” Shamblen said. “I told her she made that commitment to this team and that says a lot about her, not only now, but in the future. As an adult, you don’t just quit something and go somewhere else because the pasture appears greener. A lot of times, it’s not.”