After four straight losing seasons and no wins in the postseason, the Hopkinsville volleyball team welcomes a new coach in 2022 for what is scheduled to be the last year for the program before the formation of the Hopkinsville-Christian County Academy.
First-year coach Laykin Peek takes over after Jessica Shepherd stepped down after last season. The Lady Tigers finished 9-23 and lost in the opening round of the 8th-District tournament for the fourth straight time since a district title and trip to the 2nd-Region semifinals in 2017.
Four seniors graduated from last season’s squad, including Hailey Hallmark, the team leader in kills (131) and blocks (46). Aloria Moyd finished with a team-high 40 service aces, and Danija Rogers was second with 43 assists and added 163 digs. Shelby Sparks also graduated after being second to Rogers with 155 digs.
Five seniors comprise the core of this season’s team, led by Allison Luttrull and Addyson Fortin. Luttrull was second on the team as a junior with 50 kills and 30 aces, while Fortin chipped in 41 kills and was second with 34 blocks.
Carolina Chaudoin contributed 62 digs in 2021, Rilee Joiner assisted 23 times, and Iyanna Quarles also returns to round out the senior group.
Coach Peek is also looking for big things from Amy Toms as a defensive force on the back row. Tom’s was tops last season with 139 assists to go with 50 digs and 21 service aces. In addition, Ajayla Shiraef is expected to continue to develop and compete for a spot on the front row.
The Lady Tigers open the season on Monday with a visit from Trigg County. Hoptown started things last season with a 3-1 win over the Lady Wildcats on opening night.
