PREVIEW – Hopkinsville Volleyball Ready for Last Run

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With consolidation on the horizon, the 2023 Hopkinsville High School volleyball team will be the last to wear the orange and black.

But the Lady Tigers are being prepared to compete for spots next season on the first Hopkinsville Christian County Academy squad.

“We know with the consolidation that, unfortunately ,we will not be able to take as many girls going into next season,” said head coach Laykin Peek, who begins her second season on the Lady Tiger bench. “So as I prepare for this, I’m pushing my potential returning players to be their best and focus on honing their skills.

“There is some bittersweetness for the consolidation, like community support from everyone and equal opportunity for all athletes. However, my focus is on building towards a successful program and creating a foundation for our feeder programs.”

With the school merger still a year off, the Hoptown Lady Tigers will turn their immediate sights onto improving upon last year’s 3-24.

Four seniors return from last year’s squad, led by senior Ajayla Shiraef, who led the squad in kills last season with 89 and was second in blocks with 31.

“I think people will be surprised by Ajayla Shiraef’s play this year,” said Peek.

Senior Amy Toms led the team in digs last season with 69.

Seniors Kendra McMickens and Lynnette Nolan also return.

“I’m excited to see some of our underclassmen play key roles this year,” Peek added. “Florence Dim and D’Naja Wheeler both played some varsity last year. Also, freshman Madysen Lawrence, who has really shown major improvement from last year.”

Peek, who is a former standout player at Caldwell County, said she would like for her team to make the 8th District more competitive this season. However, University Heights Academy opens the season as a solid favorite in the district and is expected to contend for the 2nd Region championship as well.

“Our girls have been working hard since mid April to improve individual skills,” said Peek. “With having open gyms 5 days a week, then practice 5-6 days a week, these girls have really shown their commitment to the sport.

“We know going into this season we are considered underdogs. However they know that while being the underdog the only thing they can do is go up from here. So each and every day we work towards being better than yesterday. We are excited for the season and look forward to all the challenges.”

Hopkinsville will open its 2023 season on Tuesday with a district match at University Heights.

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