With some talented newcomers and new faces on the court this season, the Christian County Lady Colonels are looking to what figures to be their final season on the volleyball court a memorable one. And, there is a new face leading the team as they head into the 2023 season.
Samantha Self was tabbed to be the coach for the Lady Colonels this season and she has some interesting pieces in place to potentially be one of the darkhorse candidates in the 2nd Region.
The losses of Hailey Sparks, Gracie Stallons, and Chantelle Haby will be a challenge to overcome. All three saw action in at least 30 matches last season. Sparks led the team in kills and service aces last season. Stallons and Haby were consistent role players for the Lady Colonels.
While those losses are tough, there are some key players returning and a couple of new faces who should make their names known this season.
Rylee Owens is back for her senior season and has been the anchor in the middle of the court for Christian County. Owens finished 2022 with 347 digs to lead the team last season.
Up front, look for Skylar Kirby and Cam Armstrong to lead the attack at the net. Kirby had 187 kills and 11 blocks in 2022, while Armstrong finished with 118 kills and 35 blocks. The numbers for that duo expect to go up significantly this season.
Kaidence Atwell figures to be that steady, versatile player for Coach Self this season. Atwell had 42 kills and 22 digs in 35 matches played last season.
There is a new, but somewhat familiar face on the court this season foe Christian County. Anaysia Bagwell has joined the Lady Colonel volleyball team for the 2023 season. Bagwell, the standout point guard for Coach Kiki Radford and the Lady Colonel basketball team, will give the team additional athleticism and depth and could end up being a big part of a big run for the Lady Colonels.
The Lady Colonels have picked two solid wins in the opening four days of the season and look to be ready to roll. The schedule includes matches against Webster County, Madisonville, Hopkins Central, Graves County, and Caldwell County, plus, the run through the 8th District.
An early season battle to watch will be the 8th District contest against UHA Tuesday. That should be an early season measuring stick for the Lady Colonels.
