Trigg County and Caldwell County are a pair of volleyball programs looking to achieve the same goal by season’s end although by different paths.
Caldwell defeated Trigg in three sets Tuesday, extending its winning streak over the Lady Wildcats to 23 matches dating back to 2006. Tuesday’s final was 25-13, 25-13, 25-11.
Caldwell improved to 6-4 with its fourth straight win as the Lady Tigers look to reclaim its first district title in three years.
“We’re really trying to get to where we can control the tempo and owning our speed to where we can predict what the other team is going to run and gear our game toward the top teams in the region so when we face them it’s not something new for us,” said Caldwell coach Daniel Cortner.
Caldwell County controlled the first set, leading wire to wire. Benashka Thomas had three kills during a 6-0 run that saw the Lady Tigers jump ahead 14-4. Thomas finished the match with six kills.
Trigg County had no trouble getting rallies going in the second set but had trouble finishing points. The Lady Wildcats had eight attack errors in the second set alone and 19 for the match.
After not leading in the second set, Trigg County jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the third set.
Rylee Thompson sparked the Caldwell comeback with three kills as part of a 12-1 run Lady Tiger run. Trigg would get no closer than six points for the rest of the set.
Brylee Butts finished with three kills and five of Caldwell’s 13 aces. Ellie Ramey added four kills and an ace for the Lady Tigers.
For first-year Lady Wildcat coach Madison Rogers, the path for the next month is different than Caldwell’s.
The Lady Wildcats dropped to 0-9 and this season is about changing the culture of a program and finding a way to reach the win column.
Through nine matches, Trigg County is averaging 15 points per set compared to 11 last year.
“Coverage seems to get us game after game. We did well with assists and digging,” Roger said, adding her team has been flexible despite what seems to be daily issues.
“We have practiced and practiced and have changed some things because of illness and injuries, but they have continued to work hard and they want it.”
Ashlyn Koch had four kills and an ace for Trigg County, and Carmen Boyd added three kills.
Caldwell County hosts Crittenden County on Thursday and will spend the weekend at the Planters Bank Jennie Stuart Sportsplex in Hopkinsville for the wRECk at the Plex.
Trigg County will host Fort Campbell on Thursday.
