The Daviess County Lady Panthers hit the road Monday for their first KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament match but they couldn’t find their footing against perennial power Assumption in Louisville.
The Lady Rockets took down the Panthers 3-0 (25-9. 25-10, 25-9) to end Daviess’ season at 14-4.
“There were some really good moments in the game,” DC coach Tyla Bailey said. “Our passers did a nice job in serve receive and our middles did a nice job using the block, among other things, but we came out nervous and didn’t find our rhythm early enough. Regardless, I’m proud of the team and the incredible season we have had. This was a great experience and something to build off of.”
Elizabeth Moore, Josie Newcom and Jasmine Beasley each finished with three kills while Ryann Keller dished out seven assists. Senior Kloee Phelps led the team with eight digs.
Coming into the match, Bailey knew her squad would have a tough assignment in the Rockets but they just focused on their gameplan.
“We placed a strong emphasis on everything we could control, energy, teamwork, etc.,” she said. “We watched film, practiced, and savored the time together.”
The Lady Panthers were coming off of a dominant performance in the 3rd Region Tournament and with them making their first appearance at state, Bailey knew they had everything to gain.
“Mindset of today was we have nothing to lose, so go out strong and keep high energy,” she said. “Control what we can control and deal with the rest the best we could.”
With the season just ending, Bailey said she wants them to savor everything they’ve accomplished this season.
“I want the girls to be proud of everything they have accomplished and use tonight as a learning experience/good memory,” she said. “This group did things no other group had done and I could not be more proud.”
The Lady Panthers graduate five seniors this year but several younger DC players has big impacts this season.
Bailey said she wants the younger players to strive to make it to the state tourney as they now know what it takes to get there.
“I want the younger players to set their goals high and use this experience as motivation to do the same each year,” she said. “Set the expectation. Our seniors did an awesome job all season setting an example for the younger girls and I think that has shaped how we move forward. Our younger girls are competitive, motivated and hungry to win. Having this opportunity allows us to see we do have what it takes and to believe in ourselves and the team.”
