A tough start to the new volleyball season for the defending 2nd Region champs Tuesday night. Coming off an offseason that saw coaching changes and roster changes, the Heritage Christian Academy Lady Warriors went on the road to Madisonville to take on the Lady Maroons in the season opener for both teams.
The opening set saw the Lady Warriors fall behind 15-10. HCA rebounded to finish the set strong, winning by a score of 25-20 to take a one-set-to-none lead in the match.
The second set again saw the Lady Maroons build a big lead, this time 14-6. HCA came charging back and pulled even at 15-15. But this time, Madisonville found another gear and went on to take the set 25-19 and even the match at one set each.
Heritage Christian appeared to have things going its way in the third set, holding a 23-21 lead late. However, the Lady Maroons scored the final four points to take the win 25-23 and take a two-set-to-one lead.
Lilly Gobin, Leah Moody, and Brianna Petitt played big roles in the strong finish for the Lady Maroons.
The Lady Warriors again took a lead in the fourth set. Leading 14-10, HCA saw Madisonville score 8 straight points to go up 18-14. HCA battled back to within 18-17, but this one would belong to the Lady Maroons. Madisonville closed out the set and the match, winning 25-21 to take a 3-set to one win.
Madisonville got a big match from Katie Beth Sutton with 10 kills, 12 digs, 4 aces, and 2 assists. Bri Petitt chipped in with 5 kills and 7 blocks. Leah Moody ended her night with 14 digs, 7 kills, and 3 aces.
Emma Dalke, Taylor Barbee, Hadlee Hayes, and Allison Craft led the Lady Warriors’ effort. Bralee Fowler led the attack at the net with 11 kills. Taylor Barbee added 9 for the Lady Warriors.
Makenzie McCarty ended up with 27 assists for the night.
Madisonville (1-0) will now host Union County on Thursday.
Heritage Christian (0-1) will travel across town Thursday night for an 8th District contest against the Hopkinsville Lady Tigers.
