Anytime a high school athlete enters their senior year, they hope it’s going to be memorable. For Daviess County’s Elizabeth Moore, her final season as a Lady Panther volleyball player became that way in a multitude of ways.
The season started with doubt due to Covid-19 but Daviess County’s season ended on the highest note in program history as they won the 3rd Region Tournament for the first time.
Moore was a vital part of the Panther offense as she led the team with 271 kills this season. It’s Moore’s ability to lead her team that makes her the Owensboro Times Volleyball Player of the Year.
Moore said she knew the talent in the city was strong this season, which made the honor that much more sweet.
“I’m really honored to be recognized especially when there are so many talented players in my city,” she said. “I know many of the other girls and I have made a lot of friendships with them as well.”
For spring athletes in the class of 2020, their final season disappeared as sports were canceled last spring. Moore didn’t want that to happen to her final year as a Panther.
Moore said she’s grateful she was even able to take the court this season.
“I didn’t know how long the season would last,” she said. “My team went into every game and played like it could be our last knowing that COVID could ruin our season at any time. I knew I wanted to help lead our very talented team to win district and region this year.”
Despite the uncertainty, Moore said she was excited for the season and after the way it turned out, not many can blame her.
“This is one of the best volleyball seasons i’ve ever had,” she said. “I was truly blessed with the best teammates and support system this year and I feel like all of the firsts never got to our heads. We always went in playing as a team and we accomplished so much by doing so. For me personally, making all-district team and all-region team and going to state this made this year one of my most memorable seasons.”
Daviess County went 14-4 in the shortened season and for the last two weeks of the season, leading up to the state tournament, they dominated opponents. In the 9th District and 3rd Region tournaments, the Panthers went 5-0 and swept their opponent in four of those matches going a combined 15-1 in those sets.
DC will graduate Moore, Jasmine Beasley, Kendal Goetz, Ryann Keller and Kloee Phelps in 2021, which is the bulk of their roster from this season but also a bulk of their production.
Moore was a leader for the Panthers this season and it’s her, along with the others, that’ll set the team up for success in the years to come.
“Liz leads by example on and off the court,” DC coach Tyla Bailey said. “The younger girls look up to her and the older girls respect her. She’s a great athlete, but an even better person. She’s worked hard to be where she is and great things are in store for her as she ventures into college and beyond.”
Moore said she’ll remember a lot of things about her high school career but even more than the stats and the accolades, she’s just thankful for being able to play the sport she loves with her friends.
“Four of us five seniors have played together since sixth grade and we know each other so well,” she said. “We just know how to lift each other up and play well together. It’s amazing to accomplish so many things with them. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of those girls and I wouldn’t have wanted to accomplish those goals with any other DC team.”
