Lady Cats Top Grayson County in Five Sets

Young Team Moves to 2-0 In District Play

The Lady Cats celebrate a win over Grayson County in a full five sets.

Alyssa Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Lady Cat Volleyball team beat the defending District 12 Champions, Grayson County, at home on Tuesday night. The Lady Cougars did not go down easy, but the Lady Cats came out on top with a 3-2 win in 5 sets.

Edmonson County started strong in the first set with a 4-0 lead, but the Cougars fought back with a 6-point run for the lead. It did not take the Lady Cats long to respond as they stayed aggressive on the net and consistent with their defense. Lacking in blocks, the Lady Cat passers were forced to take on the Cougar attackers head on, and they delivered with an ECHS 26-24 set one victory.

Junior Josie Lich with a hit against the Lady Cougars.

Senior Julie Norris blocks a Grayson County shot.

Sophomore Reagan Ferguson with a set.

Looking for revenge, the Cougars start the second set with a 6-0 lead against Edmonson, forcing the Lady Cats to take their first timeout of the set. The Cats continued to fight hard going point-for-point, but never took the lead, falling 23-25 to end the second set.

Set three was much of the same as the Cats never gave up, tying the game several times, but still never taking the lead. Grayson County forced Edmonson into a timeout with a 12-6 lead and then again with a 22-17 Cougar lead. The Cats responded with a 7-2 run pushing Grayson to take their first timeout, but the Cougars did not let up and took set three 25-23 and a 2-1 game lead.

Going into the fourth set, Edmonson County knew they had to win and force a fifth set for a chance to win the game. With three lead changes and four ties, neither team could earn more than a 4-point lead until Edmonson forced Grayson into the first timeout of the set with a 20-15 Lady Cat lead. Brookelyn Simon and Josie Lich stayed hot on the net earning several kills for their team as they fought tooth and nail for a 31-29 win, forcing the Cougars into a fifth set.

Although the Cougars were able to tie the set once at 4-4, they were unable to find holes in the Cats’ defense and could not withstand the kills and blocks from the home team. The Lady Cats forced Grayson to use both of their timeouts as they took the final set with a 15-13 set win and match victory.

Head Coach Christine Barrett in a timeout.

Freshman Brookelyn Simon with a serve.

Junior Belle Woodcock with a block.

Sophomore Bailey Ferguson with a dig.

Sophomore Averie Hill with a dig.

“We know what it takes to beat hard teams, and we absolutely delivered tonight,” said Head Coach Christine Barrett. “Our conditioning played a huge role in this. I told them we have to play our side of the court. We know what we can do and we have to play our side. They have to have faith in themselves because I have all the faith in them.”

Going into the fourth set losing 2-1, Coach Barrett told her girls, “Keep pushing, keep fighting, keep doing what we do, day in and day out.”

An entirely new Lady Cat Volleyball team was seen out on the court last night. Coach Barrett says, “This year marks a significant turnaround, with the girls showcasing remarkable cohesiveness. Improved communication and a better understanding of each other’s strengths have transformed them into a unified, well-oiled unit. Their support of one another both on and off the court have been pivotal in their success, reflecting a strong sense of teamwork and commitment.”

Josie Lich lead the team in kills (14), Brookelyn Simon close behind adding 11, Bailey Ferguson had 8, Julie Norris had 7, and Rylee Skaggs added 3. Bailey Ferguson led her team in digs with 62, Averie Hill had 58, Libero Allie Faulkner had 35, Simon had 33, and Reagan Ferguson added 31. Brookelyn Simon also put up 8 service aces for the night.

The young Lady Cats are now 2-0 in district play and 5-6 on the season. Out of over 30 players on their current roster, only three seniors are listed. Edmonson County will take on Breckinridge County at home on Thursday.