Christian County played a third set Saturday that Coach Rick Erickson would like to bottle up and use in the postseason.
The Lady Colonels broke a 6-6 tie with an 18-1 run to finish off a three-set sweep of crosstown rival Hopkinsville at Lyle Dunbar Gymnasium. Christian County took the 25-19, 25-22, 25-8 win to settle into second place in the 8th District standings.
Hailey Sparks had five of her team-high 17 kills in the third set along with three aces. She was serving for the Lady Colonels during their decisive run. Sparks had four aces and three digs on the afternoon.
The Lady Colonels also got a strong game at the net from Skylar Kirby who added 11 kills and two blocks. Three of her kills came in the third set.
Playing without two starters (injury/sickness), Hopkinsville showed grit in the first two sets. The first set featured five ties but a Sparks kill spurred a 7-2 Lady Colonel run that put County up 18-13. Rilee Joiner had two kills and an ace for Hoptown in the opening frame.
Hoptown took advantage of some shaky Christian County serving in the second set to force ties and 7-7 and 8-8. Christian County stretched its advantage to 21-15 but Hoptown clawed back to within 21-19 on a Carly Chaudoin ace. The Lady Colonels were able to hold off Hoptown to take the second set 25-22.
Peyton Owens handed out 33 assists, and Rylee Owens had eight aces and eight digs for the Lady Colonels.
Lynette Nola had three kills and an ace for Hoptown. Joiner had two aces, and Ajayla Shiraef and Allison Lutrell each had two kills.
Christian County has won four straight over Hoptown for the first time since winning 28 straight over the Lady Tigers from 2006-16.
Hopkinsville (2-8) will try and heal up ahead of Tuesday’s game at Caldwell County. Hoptown travels to Crittenden County Thursday.
Christian County (3-13) will travel to Todd County Central and Monday and play at district foe Fort Campbell on Tuesday.
County and Hoptown are scheduled to meet again on October 4 at Tiger Gym.
