They have been a contender in 2nd Region volleyball for several years now, and, if we can make it all the way through the season with out coronavirus issues, the Caldwell County Lady Tigers appear to be one of a handful of teams with a legitimate shot to make a run at the regional title in 2020. The Lady Tigers are a team loaded with talent and experience, and the combination of the two usually proves to be a very good thing.
Caldwell County will be led by returning senior Olivia Mitchell. Mitchell, who won regional “Player of the Year” honors as a junior last season, is a high flying, hard-hitter, who figures to win the honor again in her senior season. She is one of five returning Lady Tigers that saw action in every match last season. Mitchell ended the season with 625 kills.
Mitchell leads an experienced corps of Lady Tigers that includes four seniors and five juniors.
Senior Kendyll Prowell figures to be setting things up for Mitchell a big part of the time this season. Prowell was #2 on the team in assists last season with 386.
Senior Riley Thomas is a key for getting rallies started for the Lady Tigers. Thomas led Caldwell County in digs last season with 287.
A big key for the Lady Tigers to make a deep run, by helping to take attention off Olivia Mitchell could be the play of senior Abby Griggs. Griggs battled a health issue during the 2019 season, and missed four games. She still managed to lead the team in blocks and finish second in kills. A big year from Griggs forces opponents to play more honestly at the net.
A quartet of juniors will also play key roles for Coach Daniel Cortner’s Lady Tigers. Mary Tays, Adison Sullenger, Savannah Scott, and Kynady Thomas, all saw action in at least 26 matches last season for Caldwell County.
The challenge for the Lady Tigers will be finding a way to get past defending regional champion Henderson County. The Lady Colonels have ended the Lady Tigers season in each of the last five seasons. Twice, in the regional championship, and three times in the regional semifinals, including the 2019 2nd Region tournament.
Caldwell County finished the 2019 season at 22-14.
Coach Daniel Cortner talks about the upcoming season in this interview:
