Caldwell County once owned the 7th District volleyball battles, but had seen Madisonville-North Hopkins claim the district championship each of the last two seasons.
The Lady Tigers took the first step toward getting the championship back, defeating the Lady Maroons in straight sets Thursday night at the CAB gym in Princeton.
Caldwell ended a five-match losing streak to Madisonville, picking up a 25-23, 25-20, 25-18 decision in a tight match.
The Lady Tigers, who now lead the all-time series 38-10, had won 35 straight against Madisonville prior to the five-game skid.
Brylee Butts had eight kills, a block and two digs to lead a balanced effort by Caldwell.
Rylee Thompson recorded four kills, nine digs and two aces. Ellie Ramey had four kills and two digs.
Chevy McGowan tallied three kills and Morgan Aikins had two.
Med Thomas totaled a kill, four assists and three digs. Benashka Thomas also had a kill.
T.J. Goodwin had 13 digs while Anna Giltz had five digs.
Kylee White recorded 15 assists and four aces.
Caldwell is 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the district. Madisonville is 3-5 and 0-1.
The Lady Tigers will get two stiff challenges on Saturday when they travel to McCracken County for matches against both the Lady Mustangs and the Greenwood Lady Gators. Greenwood is 8-2 while McCracken is 4-1.
