From Coach Bonnie Keepes:
Wow what an exciting night in the gym!
The 8th grade group knew they had their work cut out for them. We had faced Fairfield before, during the championship match of the Albion tournament. We came up short both sets, but tonight was another story.
The girls wanted this game, and they were fired up. We made so many great defensive plays, it was amazing. Weather Fairfield hit cross court or line we found a way to get it up. We were also attacking, and getting the offense going off the digs.
They put on a great show for the fans, it was a battle! Fairfield had been undefeated going in with only 2 set losses, but had never lost a whole match.
We were able to beat them in 2 sets winning 27-25, 25-20. It was an incredibly exciting moment for our girls, taking down an undefeated team. The girls played their hearts out, and I’m so proud of them. Every single one of them had a great night. Our team unity was strong, and shined through. This win also clinched the conference championship for our Lady Aces.
The takeaways are Lyla Keepes 2 aces, 1 kill, 6 digs, Kyleigh Smith 1 ace, 2 kills, 4 digs, 1 block, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 dig, Riley Hershey 3 kills, Kinley Harris 2 aces, 1 block, Leah Lewis 2 aces, 5 assists, 5 digs, Mercedes Dillard 1 dig.
The 7th grade group played well tonight. They were making smart choices at the net. They also had some great serve receive and digs. They were also able to take Fairfield in two sets winning 25-14, 25-19.
Highlights were Alivia Peach had 4 aces, Journey Loudermilk 2 kills, Quincy Keepes 3 aces, 3 assists, 2 kills, Avery Coston 3 aces, 2 kills, Ella Turner 3 aces, Ryleigh Gill 1 kill.
The 6th grade team played a close first set dropping it 24-26, but then winning the second set 25-12. Some stats to share are Opal Earnest with 4 aces, 1 assist, Macy Glenn 3 aces, Jersey Mounts 2 aces, 1 kill, Annie Kanipe 1 dig, Josie James 4 aces, Haleigh Prosise 2 aces, 1 kill, Farryn King 2 aces, Erin Delong 1 ace.
The Lady Aces only have one regular season match left facing Olney away next Monday. They are ranked first coming into the regional. It is next Thursday on March 16th in Flora starting at 5 playing Carmi first round.