Owensboro Catholic enters as the top seed, but they’ll have plenty of competition when the 9th District volleyball tournament begins at Apollo on Monday night.
Action kicks off with the Lady Aces squaring off against No. 4 seed Owensboro at 5:30 p.m., followed by No. 2 seed Apollo taking on No. 3 seed Daviess County at 7:15 p.m. The championship is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.
The lone district loss for Catholic came in a five-set decision at Apollo. Though the Lady Aces swept Daviess County, the Lady Panthers held 2-1 leads in both meetings before losing in five sets.
DC and Apollo split their regular season matchups, with each picking up a four-set victory.
While the Lady Devils failed to win a set in district play this season, they hung tough and proved they can’t be overlooked — and they picked up some impressive wins in recent weeks.
One of the biggest advantages for Owensboro Catholic (21-10) is a big front line loaded with experience. Cecelia Clemens leads the way as a captain on the floor, and so far this year she has 720 assists, 97 kills, 51 digs, 49 blocks and 39 aces.
Other key pieces for the Lady Aces are Cassidy Towery (285 kills, 90 digs, 57 assists, 53 aces, 37 blocks), Isabelle Wright (232 kills, 92 digs, 30 blocks), Madeline Castlen (155 kills, 61 blocks, 20 digs, 20 aces), Cate Sights (132 kills, 56 blocks) and Jenna Glenn (165 digs).
Apollo (23-11) had a sluggish stretch during the middle of the season, but they’re riding a hot streak as they enter the playoffs. They have several players who contribute each night that specialize in different areas on the court.
Leaders include Whitley Chambers (249 kills, 71 digs, 52 blocks), Brylee Rhodes (147 kills, 115 blocks, 70 digs, 33 aces), Tallie Satterfield (479 assists), Hallie Wilson (380 digs, 68 aces), Anslee Hopewell (151 assists, 71 aces) and Natalie Ewing (139 kills, 41 blocks).
Daviess County (19-9) took a big step forward from last season to prove they are a legitimate title contender, though they still struggled to close out wins against Catholic and Apollo and went 1-3 against them. The Lady Panthers have used a full team effort this year with relatively even contributions across the board.
Leaders include Hannah Axley (360 assists, 107 digs, 39 aces), Kloee Phelps (325 digs, 91 kills), Elizabeth Moore (247 kills, 89 digs), Ashton Johnson (205 kills, 94 digs), Kinsley Phelps (117 kills, 63 blocks), Jasmine Beasely (118 kills, 61 blocks), Ryan Keller (319 assists) and Kendal Goetz (260 digs).
Owensboro (13-21) has shown plenty of improvement since the beginning of the year and is trending upward as they head into the tournament. They’ve pushed all three district foes to the edge of several sets this year but will need an extra push to break through.
Leaders for the Lady Panthers (stats only available for 21 matches) are Krystell Pappas (181 assists, 85 digs, 79 kills, 60 aces), Jersie Rhineburger (161 digs, 31 aces), Lainey Hayden (104 kills, 52 blocks), Armanda Pappas (93 kills, 70 digs), Brooklyn Williams (74 kills) and Kennedy Thompson (68 assists).
TRINITY – 12TH DISTRICT TOURNAMENT
Trinity also begins their postseason Monday and will be host of the 12th District tournament. They’ll be the No. 3 seed, taking on No. 2 seed Butler County at 7:45 p.m. following the opening match between No. 1 seed Grayson County and No. 4 seed Edmonson County.
The Lady Raiders (12-14) went 3-3 in district play, splitting with Butler County and sweeping Edmonson County. Grayson County went undefeated in district action.
Trinity has been led this season by Josie Aull (386 assists, 147 digs, 34 aces), Morgan Kinsey (185 kills, 85 digs, 54 aces), Cassidy Morris (135 kills, 88 digs, 38 blocks, 37 aces), Taylor Pedley (299 digs), Abigail Payne (173 digs), Hannah Nash (137 kills) and Josie Booker (133 digs).
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