In a matchup of two teams looking to contend for the 2nd Region volleyball championship in 2024, it was the northern Lady Colonels that made an early season statement Monday evening. Henderson County scored the first seven points of the night and then closed out the third set strong to complete a straight-set sweep over the Christian County Lady Colonels in Lyle Dunbar Gym.
After seeing Henderson bolt out to a 7-0 lead in the opening set, the Lady Colonels from the south scored the next five points to pull within 7-5. Behind the efforts of Sarah Loffland and Caeson Hargitt, Henderson fought off the rally attempt and pulled away to take the opening set 25-12.
The second set was an ‘almost’ set for Christian County. Watching the set, you could feel the Lady Colonels were on the verge, but just could not quite get over the hill. Christian County trailed 9-8, 21-17, and 23-20 at the timeouts, but it was Henderson County scoring the final two points to take the set 25-20 and go up 2-0 in the match. Christian County did get some big plays from Carly Armstrong, Peyton Owens, and Skylar Kirby.
Christian County appeared to have things going their way in the third set. After a back-and-forth beginning, the southern Lady Colonels got out to a 14-12 lead and seemed to be on their way to forcing a 4th set. However, Loffand and Hargitt again stepped up for Henderson, leading a 13-3 run that gave Henderson the set 25-17 and the match 3-0.
While Christian County dropped the match, the Lady Colonels did see some flashes of what could be ahead this season, getting some key moments from Adreyona Smith and Emma Webster, in addition to Kirby, Owens, and Armstrong.
Skylar Kirby finished the night with 7 kills to lead Chrsitian County. Kaidence Atwell added three of her own. Kirby and Atwell also had two service aces each.
Ashlea Russell ended up with nine assists.
Christian County (0-1) will get back on the court Tuesday night as they go on the road to Crittenden County.
