Lady Aces Dominate Red Hill In Regular Season Finale

The Lady Aces traveled to Red Hill for their last regular season game.

The Aces dominated the Salukis winning in 2 sets  25-4, and 25-8. 

Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong  2 kills, 4 assists, 3 digs, Jayla Johnson 2 aces, 1  kill, 4 digs, 1 assist, Maycee Randall 2 aces, 4 kills, 3 blocks, 4 digs, Tenley Davis 1 kill, 2 digs, 4 assists, Lyla Keepes 1 ace, 5 kills, 9 digs, 1 assist, Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, 1 assist, 1 block, Tensley Dunlap 5 kills, 2 digs, Gabby Schneider 5 aces, 4 assists, 4 digs. 

The JV won in 3 sets 25-19, 21-25, 15-1. 

Leah Lewis 7 aces, 7 digs, 5 kills, 1 assist, Cate Pyatt, 11 kills, Mylee Farmer 11 digs, Mercedes Dillard 2 aces, 8 digs, Leila Sweeney 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 4 aces, 2 digs, 20 assist, Ryleigh Gill 4 digs, Journey Loudermilk 4 kills,  Addison Mobley 1 kill, 1 dig. Ryleigh Gill 4 digs. 

Next Tuesday night the Aces play Benton for the first round of regionals. 

Comments by assistant coach  Bonnie Keepes 

Lady Aces Send Seniors Out With Win

The Lady Aces hosted Wayne City on Senior night Monday at the hilltop. The team had big crowd support with a fired up student section. 

The Aces and Indians played a tight first set, but the Aces landed on top winning 25-22. The second set the Indians put together a big run. The Aces chipped at it but fell 19-25. The student section was fired up and loud and the girls were ready for a third set. Tensley Dunlap was on fire swinging for kill after kill on the outside putting the Aces ahead at the end 25-22. Tensley had a season high 15 kills, and Mattie Armstrong had a season high 18 assists.  What a great game to celebrate the seniors. Scrappy defense, and hard aggressive swinging was on full display. The Aces Seniors are Mattie Armstrong, Maycee Randall, Tenley Davis, and Jayla Johnson. 

Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 18 assists, 10 digs, Jayla Johnson 1 ace, 2  kills, 13 digs, Maycee Randall, 8 kills, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 2 digs, Tenley Davis 1 kill, 14 digs, 5 assists, Lyla Keepes 1 ace, 3 kills, 13 digs, Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, 2 blocks, Tensley Dunlap 15 kills, 2 digs, Avery Coston 1 kill, 1 dig, Gabby Schneider 2 aces,1 kill, 7 aces, 7 digs. 

The JV team had a good night as well. They were great on the offensive and defense side of the ball. We got behind in the first set Leah Lewis ran off 5 aces in a row to kick start us back a lead. The Aces took the win in 2 sets, 25-22, 25-19 Player stats Leah Lewis 7 aces, 6 digs, 3 kills, Avery Coston 6 kills, 1 dig, Cate Pyatt, 5 digs, 8 kills, Mylee Farmer 5 digs, 1 assist, Mercedes Dillard 4 digs, Leila Sweeney 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 2 digs, 17 assists, Ryleigh Gill 4 aces, 1 dig, Josie James 1 kill,  Journey Loudermilk 1 ace, 2 kills , Addison Mobley 1 kill.

Comments by assistant coach Bonnie Keepes 

Photo Credit Nichole Loudermilk

Lady Aces Compete In Edwards County Tourney

The Lady Aces traveled to Edwards County for a 5 game tournament. They started the day against a warmed up Olney.  This didn’t fare well for the Aces dropping the first set 23-25. The girls got ahead with a big run the second set winning 25-14, but couldn’t keep the same momentum and dropped the 3rd 13-15. The next opponent in pool play NCOE, defeated the Aces 12-25, 14-25.  They were nailing the lines, and very consistent. The tough pool play put the Aces in the bronze bracket. In the bronze bracket they first faced Robinson. The team looked alive against Robinson and won the first set big 25-13, and sealed the win with a second set score of 25-19. The Aces played those three matches in a row, took a lunch break, and came back to face Grayville.  The girls stayed on top defeating Grayville in a quick match 25-10, 25-9.  The final match of the day the Aces faced Lawrenceville. The first set score 25-19 the Aces liked better than the final two, 18-25, 6-15. Lawrenceville rallied after the first set loss, and I think it came down to them wanting it more than the Aces. At the end of a long day the team was losing some focus and we just couldn’t get the win. 

Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 38 assists, 40 digs, 3 aces, Jayla Johnson 2 aces, 12 kills, 18 digs, 1 assist, 3 blocks, Maycee Randall, 4 aces, 20 kills, 11 blocks, 1 assist, 1 dig, Tenley Davis 8 aces, 39 digs, 12 assists, Lyla Keepes 2 aces, 16 kill, 26 digs, 1 assist, 1 block, Kyleigh Smith 13 kills, 4 digs, 6 blocks, Tensley Dunlap 22 kills, 3 digs, 4 blocks, Avery Coston 2 kills, 4 blocks, Gabby Schneider 7 aces, 26 assist, 10 digs, Leah Lewis 2 kills, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 2 digs, Mylee Farmer 2 digs. 

The Aces will be back at home tonight for Senior Night against Wayne City, JV will start at 6. 

Comments by assistant coach, Bonnie Keepes.

NCOE Spikes Lady Aces

The Mount Carmel Lady Aces faced a highly ranked Norris City team Wednesday night. The Aces traveled to play the Redbirds who are currently 25-1. The Aces made many great digs the first set. They played competitively with NC, dropping the set 18-25. The second set NC really cleaned up their errors, and put the attacking hammer down taking the Aces 8-25.  The Seniors at NC won State as 8th graders, making this a stacked team. 

Stats for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 3 assists, 6 digs, 1 ace, Jayla Johnson 2 kills, 4 digs, Maycee Randall, 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 block, Tenley Davis 11 digs, Lyla Keepes 1 kill, 2 digs, Kyleigh Smith 1 kill, Tensley Dunlap 2 kills, Avery Coston 1 dig, Gabby Schneider 2 aces, 4 assist, 2 digs. 

The JV team played great the first set. The defense was getting up anything NC game them.  They also attacked clean, winning the set 25-22. The second set NC got in some big serving runs that we struggled to pass. 

They took the set 14-25. The third set it was more aggressive serving that took down the aces 7-15. Even with the loss we saw some excellent defense. We had 4 girls with over 10 digs, including Leah, Mylee, Mercedes, and Quincy. Avery led with 6 kills. The team fought hard. 

Player stats Leah Lewis 15 digs, 3 kills, Avery Coston 6 kills, 1 dig, Cate Pyatt, 5 digs, 5 kills, Mylee Farmer 14 digs, Mercedes Dillard 12 digs,  1 assist, Leila Sweeney 3 digs, Quincy Keepes 10 digs, 14 assists, Ryleigh Gill 4 digs, Josie James 2 kills,  Journey Loudermilk 1 dig. 

The Varsity team will play in the Edwards county tournament Saturday starting at 9am. 

The first match will be back against Norris City, and then Olney for pool play. 

Comments by Assistant coach Bonnie Keepes

Photo Credit Nichole Loudermilk

Lady Aces Finish 5th At LIC Tennis Tourney

Mt. Carmel - 4, Robinson - 8, Paris - 10, Newton - 5, Olney (Richland County) - 3, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - 6,

Singles:
No. 1 - Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel def. Emma Walker, Newton, 4-5 , -, -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Kate Rosborough , Robinson, 6-3 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Jordan Piercefield, Olney (Richland County), 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Jenna Hall, Newton def. Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County) def. Kaidence Eveland, Paris, 7-6 (5), 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Avery Crocker, Robinson, 6-1 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Jenna Hall, Newton, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County) def. Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 7-5 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-1 , 4-6 , 6-2 ;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County), 6-4 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 7-6 (5), 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Jenna Hall, Newton def. Emma Walker, Newton, 6-0 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Avery Crocker, Robinson def. Kate Rosborough , Robinson, 6-3 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Jordan Piercefield, Olney (Richland County), 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 3-6 , 6-1 , 10-7 ;
No. 1 - Avery Crocker, Robinson def. Jenna Hall, Newton, 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-2 , -;

Doubles:
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel, 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris def. Ella Whitacre, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Jette Sauerbery, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Beth Brocious, Newton - Lauren Gier, Newton, 6-3 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Summer Downen, Olney (Richland County) - Ryen Gray, Olney (Richland County), 6-1 , 6-4 , -;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson, 6-2 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris def. Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County), 6-7 (5), 6-2 , 6-4 ;
No. 1 - Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel def. Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-3 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris def. Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (2), 6-1 ;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris, 6-2 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris def. Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel, 7-6 (1), 6-0 , -;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel def. Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris, 4-6 , 7-6 (5), 6-1 ;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel, 6-3 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Ella Whitacre, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Jette Sauerbery, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-0 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County) def. Beth Brocious, Newton - Lauren Gier, Newton, 6-2 , 3-6 , 10-7 ;
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Summer Downen, Olney (Richland County) - Ryen Gray, Olney (Richland County), 4-6 , 6-4 , 10-3 ;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County), 6-2 , 6-4 , -;

Jr. Aces Advance To State

Wednesday night the JH XC team ran their Regional Meet at Salem. The course was 1.8 miles long. 

In the Girls race 8th grader Ava Alka finished 2nd overall with a time of 11:36 and qualified to run at the State Meet.

In the Boys race 8th grader Eli Wilcox finished 1st place and won the Regional individually! Eli finished with a time of 11:09. 

The Boys team also qualified as a team to run at the State Meet!

Eli Wilcox and Ava Alka finishes were both school records for highest finish in a Regional!

The boys and Ava will run at the State Meet in DuQuoin Oct. 18th.


Aces Soccer Report

From Coach Ed Berberich:

The Soccer Aces hosted Newton Tuesday night in a rematch against a conference foe that beat them 0-8 the 1st time around. The Aces fought hard in this one but ultimately fell 0-3. Newton scored their 1st goal in the 27th minute but that was all either team could muster, leaving the score at 0-1 at the break. The Aces came out in the 2nd half and continued fighting hard but the Eagles were able to give themselves a bit of breathing room when they scored in the 62nd minute to take a 2-0 lead. They would add their final goal with 4 minutes left after the Aces had pushed one of their defenders up in effort to generate more in attack. The Aces took 4 shots in the match, with 2 chances created. Ty Hipsher had 11 saves in goal.

After having played too passively in the Pinckneyville match the night before we came out with much more aggressiveness & it made a world of difference for us. If we had played like this the night before then that close match might have had a different result. Newton is a strong opponent having lost only lost 2 matches on the season, but we were able to frustrate them, especially in the 1st half, and give ourselves a chance in the game. It was a really good effort by the guys and showed some real growth. This was senior night for Ty Hipsher, Gabe Cirunay, Ronnie Berberich, Trace Sisson & Michael Read so it was fun to play a good game for these guys in the last home match of their careers. They've been a big part of trying to set the tone & build the culture that we're working on establishing here & they've been invaluable to us all year.

The Soccer Aces traveled to Harrisburg Thursday night in a rematch against the Bulldogs. The Aces once again fought hard but would end up losing 1-5. Harrisburg scored quickly, putting the ball in the net just 4 minutes in but the Aces settled down and neither team could get anything into the goal leaving the score 0-1 at the half. To start the 2 half, the Bulldogs again scored quickly, scoring 3 minutes in on a penalty kick when a foul was called against the Aces in the box. The Aces would the score in the 51st minute when Zeke Meier was fouled hard outside the box after he'd beaten the defense to create a breakaway opportunity. Ty Hipsher took the kick & nailed it to make the score 1-2. That score held for another 10 minutes until Harrisburg scored a couple quick goals in the 60th & 62nd minutes to put the game away. Harrisburg added a final goal with 7 minutes left for score of 1-5. The Aces took 5 shots in the match, with 5 chances created. Ty Hipsher had 7 saves in goal.

We again came out and played a solid game but just couldn't quite get it done. We tried some different things with regard to player positions tonight so I'm proud of how the guys responded to the changes. We really just wore down late in the game. With our injuries this season we've struggled to get everyone in game shape & about when we were starting to get there we had multiple games canceled. So we just hadn't played enough heading into this week where we had 3 games in 4 days. The last 20 minutes or so we could really begin to see the impact of that. We'll have a bit of rest this weekend and then some time next week to work on things as we prepare for regionals.


Lady Aces Beat Paris To Secure Tie For LIC Championship

The Lady Aces traveled to Paris on Tuesday night for a chance to seal their hopes on a conference title. The Aces came out very aggressive on offense and defense. They were able to take the Tigers down 25-13. The Aces played very clean with minimal errors. The second set the girls made more errors at the beginning. Paris was finding a way to get more kills, making this set close till the last 5 points.  The Aces didn’t want a 3rd set, they dug in and closed it out 25-20.  Lyla Keepes lead the team in Kills with 7, Mattie Armstrong led with 14 digs. Maycee Randall stole 3 aces and Gabby Schneider 13 assists. 

Stats for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong  7 assists, 14 digs, 2 kills, Jayla Johnson 3 kills, 11 digs, 1 assist, Maycee Randall, 3 aces, 5 digs, 5 kills, 4 blocks, 3 digs, Tenley Davis 10 digs, 1 ace, 2 assists, Lyla Keepes 1 ace, 7 kill, 10 digs, 1 assist, Kyleigh Smith 4 kills, 2 assists, Tensley Dunlap 6 kills, 2 digs, Avery Coston 4 kills, 1 dig, Gabby Schneider 13 assist, 4 digs. 

The JV team had 2 close games against a scrappy Paris team. The Aces played good defense, with some awesome saves. They took the first set 25-18. The second set was back and forth, and a nail biter at the end, but the Aces won it 29-27. This was the best the communication has been for the team. It was great to see that come together for them, and get the win. 

Player stats Leah Lewis 12 digs, 5 kills, Avery Coston 4 kills, Cate Pyatt, 4 digs, 4 kills, Mylee Farmer 1 ace, 9 digs, Mercedes Dillard 3 aces, 4 digs,  Leila Sweeney 1 ace, 3 digs, Quincy Keepes 7 digs, 16 assists, Ryleigh Gill 2 digs, 7 aces, Josie James 2 kills i’m done with this, Journey Loudermilk 2 kills, Addison Mobley 1 dig. 

The freshman lost the first set 12-25, second set they won 25-13. Lost the 3rd set 15-12 

This Conference win put coach Syreeta Willis at 3 LIC titles out of the last 4 years coaching! A big congratulations and shout out to her! 

The Aces will resume play against NCOE away on Wednesday night. The originally scheduled Grayville game on Tuesday has been canceled. 

Comments and photos by Assistant coach Bonnie Keepes

Lady Aces At State Report

Kevin Madden is at the IHSA Class 1A Girls State Golf Finals. Here’s his report from today’s Morning Show.

Our State golf coverage is sponsored by:

Wabash General Hospital

First National Bank

Motorad

Corwin Printing

Watler Accounting

Alluring Locks

Swanson Excavating

Tropic Tan

Premium Rock Bit

Dr. Tara Horrall at River Valley Clinic of Chiropractic

Health Insurance Associates/Renner Insurance Group

David Brown Construction, LLC

Short Cunningham Funeral Home

Watler Accounting

The Smile Center-Dr. G. Andrew Fischer

Lady Aces Tennis Downs Mt. Vernon, 6-3

Mt. Carmel - 6, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) - 3,

Singles:
No. 1 - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel def. Olivia Van Kampen, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 10-4 , -, -;
No. 2 - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel def. Clover Tinsley, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 10-5 , -, -;
No. 3 - Abbie Russell, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) def. Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel, 10-5 , -, -;
No. 4 - Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel def. Paisley Brieseacher, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 10-7 , -, -;
No. 5 - Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel def. Ella Kroschen, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 10-5 , -, -;
No. 6 - Anna Kingsley, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 10-8 , -, -;

Doubles:
No. 1 - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel - Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel def. Clover Tinsley, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) - Abbie Russell, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 8-4 , -, -;
No. 2 - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel - Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel def. Olivia Van Kampen, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) - Anna Kingsley, Mt. Vernon (H.S.), 8-5 , -, -;
No. 3 - Paisley Brieseacher, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) - Audrey Wilford, Mt. Vernon (H.S.) def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel - Addison Tennis, Mt. Carmel, 8-2 , -, -;

Aces hang on to conference hopes by beating Newton

The Lady Aces traveled to Newton Tuesday night for a conference face off. The gym was packed with Newton fans celebrating their seniors.  There was no messing around by the Aces last night. They started strong and got ahead early 8-3, but Newton battled back with a run of 7. We had close back and forth play till the end,  but the defense won the set for the Aces with 4 blocks and 16 digs for a final set score of 25-23. The second set we had more kills, but Newton changed up their offense and hammered from the right side. Coach Willis made some adjustments to the defense and the girls responded well, but Newton still took the set 17- 25. The team wanted the 3rd set badly to hang on to conference title hopes. It started in point for point fashion with the Eagle and Aces going on long volleys back and forth till 8 all. That’s when the Aces found their run of good luck with every ball falling their way in a run of 10 straight with Lyla Keepes serving to 18. This gave the Aces all the confidence to take it home and win 25-11.  The team had the most kills the 3rd set with 16, and 23 digs. The Aces had 4 players having over 10 digs, Mattie, Jayla, Tenley, and Lyla. They also had 3 players with over 5 kills, Maycee, Lyla, and Tensley. Kyleigh and Avery were right there with 4 kills each. Mattie and Gabby had 13 assists each.  It one hundred percent gave everyone the feeling of a total team effort win. 

Stats for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 13 assists, 14 digs, 2 kills, Jayla Johnson 1 ace, 3 kills, 11 digs, Maycee Randall, 3 aces, 5 dig, 5 kills, 4 blocks, 3 digs, Tenley Davis 14 digs, 1 ace, Lyla Keepes 1 kill, 6 digs, Kyleigh Smith 3 kills, 1 assist, Tensley Dunlap 1 kills, 1 dig, Avery Coston 3 kills, Gabby Schneider 11 assist, 5 digs. 

The JV team played good defense against a strong attacking Newton team, but struggled on the attacking front. They just couldn’t score enough from kills, but kept the first set close 18-25. The second set Newton had  some big runs winning 10-25. A high point was the libero Miley Farmer had 15 digs, and Leah Lewis with 9. 

Player stats Leah Lewis 3 aces, 9 digs, 2 kills, Avery Coston 2 kills, Cate Pyatt, 5 kills, Mylee Farmer 1 ace, 15 digs, Mercedes Dillard 1 ace, 4 digs,  Leila Sweeney 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 2 digs 6 assists, Ryleigh Gill 2 digs, Josie James 1 kill, 1 dig. 

The Freshman split sets. They played scrappy and won the first set against Newton 25-15, but dropped the second 12-25.

The Aces will be back on the road Thursday facing Paris. If the Aces win they will share a conference champions title. 

Comments by assistant coach Bonnie Keepes

Photo credit Nichole Loudermilk 

Davis Saluted For 500 Career Digs As Lady Aces Fall To Mt. Vernon

The Lady Aces Volleyball hosted Mt Vernon on Monday. The Varsity team led most of the first set and almost had the win at 25-24, but Mt. Vernon pushed back and took it 26-28. The second set we had some breakdown in serve receive and more hitting errors letting the Rams in for the win 21-25. Maycee Randal led the Aces with 12 kills and 2 aces. 

Stats for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 1 ace, 10 assists, 4 digs, Jayla Johnson 1 ace, 3 kills, 4 digs, Maycee Randall, 12 kills, 1 block, 3 digs, Tenley Davis 14 digs, 1 ace, Lyla Keepes 1 kill, 6 digs, Kyleigh Smith 3 kills, 1 assist, Tensley Dunlap 1 kills, 1 dig, Avery Coston 3 kills, Gabby Schneider 11 assist, 5 digs. 

The JV team had some long volleys but didn’t play with the same intensity as the last match against Olney.  Mt. Vernon attacked often and had strong serving that gave them the win. 19-25, 13-25. 

Player stats Leah Lewis 1 ace, 4 digs, 5 kills, Avery Coston 1 ace, 1 kill, 2 digs, Cate Pyatt, 5 kills, Mylee Farmer 8 digs, 1 assist,  Mercedes Dillard 3 digs,  Leila Sweeney 1 ace, 2 digs, Quincy Keepes 1 ace, 1 digs, 11 assists, Ryleigh Gill 1 dig, Josie James 1 kill.  Addison Mobley 1 dig, 1 kill.

The Freshman team dropped in 2 sets 13-25, 12-25, the Lady Rams had some varsity players that played all 3 three matches, making for tough freshman competition. 

The high point of the evening was Tenley Davis reaching her 500th career dig. Another bright spot, head coach Syreeta Willis surpassed her 100th career win with the Olney win last week. 

The team will travel to Newton tonight. The Eagles are currently undefeated in LIC play. 

Comments by assistant coach Bonnie Keepes 

Photo credit Nichole Loudermilk 

Early Deficit Dooms Aces Soccer

The Soccer Aces traveled to Pinckneyville Monday night to take on the Panthers, losing 1-4. The Panthers scored twice in the first 15 minutes, but the Aces then held until allowing a 3rd goal late in the half. The Aces cut the deficit to 1-3 on a goal by Zeke Meier in the 50th minute. That score held up until Pinckneyville scored their 4th and final goal with 15 minutes left in the match. 

We generally played too passively in this one, which is frustrating because this was a fairly close game that could've ended differently. It's not an effort thing, but we need to be more prepared to be physical & aggressive than we often are. Being so inexperienced it's partly due to overthinking things at times as well. The experience & skill level just takes time to develop but we'd like to see a stronger desire to win the ball, and to make the game harder for the opponent. We'll keep trying to cultivate that attitude because as we work to build the program up, these games will often come down to who wants it more throughout the match. We want to be a team that's going to fight, with discipline, every time we go out there. We've shown that at times but just need to be more consistent on that front.

The Aces will be back at home on Tuesday, for senior night, hosting Newton at 6 pm.