Preview 2024 Capital City Volleyball Classic

<p>The 2024 Capital City Volleyball Classic, hosted by Franklin County on September 13th and 14th, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent as 14 teams vie for supremacy. With three teams currently in the top 25 and many others eager to prove their mettle, the tournament is set to be a high-energy affair.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Teams & Players to Watch</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><sub>Ballard Bruins</sub></h2>   <p>Ranked No. 15, the Ballard Bruins are a formidable force with a strong 5-1 record. Their only loss came against the No. 12 North Oldham team, but their recent 3-0 win over Western Hills showcased their athletic abilities. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='477200' first='Natalie' last='Sanders'] has been exceptional, with 28 assists, 16 digs, and 3 blocks in their last match, while [player_tooltip player_id='395957' first='Piper' last='Blain'] added 17 kills. Junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening'] also impressed with 11 kills and 6 blocks. Their upcoming match against No. 14 Christian Academy-Louisville will be a critical test ahead of the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><sub><strong>Franklin County Lady Flyers</strong></sub></h2>   <p>The No. 16 Lady Flyers are on an impressive 15-1 run, having only dropped four sets all season. Their recent victory over Lexington Catholic in the Section 5 - 2A Region All "A" Tournament highlighted their form, with senior [player_tooltip player_id='159328' first='Sophie' last='Dufour'] delivering a season-high 29 kills along with 12 assists and 13 digs. Junior Libero [player_tooltip player_id='212394' first='Lauren' last='Parker'] contributed significantly with 5 service aces and 27 digs. Franklin County will face Madison Central and Lafayette this week to fine-tune their strategy before the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Lexington Catholic Lady Knights</sub></strong></h2>   <p>Currently ranked No. 20, the Knights are coming off a rare loss to Franklin County but have been strong all season with a 5-1 record. [player_tooltip player_id='178869' first='Addie' last='Lowe'] has been a standout with 15 kills, 3 aces, and 12 digs in their recent match against Franklin. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='212388' first='Payton' last='Avilez'] also made her presence felt with 6 kills and 12 digs. With upcoming matches against No. 7 Frederick Douglass and Lexington Christian, the Knights are gearing up for a competitive run at the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Corbin Lady Redhounds</sub></strong></h2>   <p>With a perfect 10-0 record, the Lady Redhounds are ready for a strong showing at the Classic. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='159357' first='Ava' last='Maguet'] has been pivotal with 19 assists and 9 digs in their latest win, while sophomore libero [player_tooltip player_id='535270' first='Reece' last='Curry'] added 21 digs. Senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='159405' first='Caroline' last='Combs'], known for her clutch performance, recorded 16 kills in their recent victory. Despite having faced no ranked teams so far, Corbin's undefeated streak will be tested against the high-caliber competition at the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Scott County Cardinals</sub></strong></h2>   <p>Struggling with a 2-3 record, the Cardinals have faced tough competition, including losses to ranked teams No. 16 and No. 17. Despite their challenges, sophomore libero Allison May and junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='768426' first='Anna' last='Peters'] have been instrumental, with [player_tooltip player_id='765671' first='Allie' last='McClanahan'] also contributing significantly. The team's young roster will need to harness their potential to make an impact in the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Western Hills Lady Wolverines</sub></strong></h2>   <p>With a 7-4 record, including losses to top 25 teams, the Lady Wolverines are looking to bounce back. Sophomore setter Mallory Flint had an impressive 28 assists and 13 digs in a recent win. At the same time, senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='477222' first='Rylan' last='Lambert'] tallied 14 kills and 8 digs. Western Hills will need to elevate their game to compete effectively against the top teams at the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Trimble Lady Raiders</sub></strong></h2>   <p>At 7-6, Trimble has shown resilience despite recent losses, including one to No. 22 Simon Kenton. Senior setters Alana Washington and Hannah Chilton have been crucial in orchestrating the offense, with Anna Brierly making a significant impact with 20 kills and 21 digs in a recent match. The Lady Raiders must leverage their senior leadership and positive mindset as they head into the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>East Jessamine Jaguars</sub></strong></h2>   <p>The Jaguars have had mixed results with a 4-5 record, including a loss to No. 17 West Jessamine. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='269864' first='Audrey' last='Fraddosio'] has been a standout performer, with 18 kills and 17 digs in a recent win. Juniors Mylie Young and Alexis Vittitow will share setting duties, which are crucial for a successful run at the Classic. Their performance in upcoming matches will be key to their tournament preparation.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Marion Lady Knights</sub></strong></h2>   <p>With an 8-5 record, the Lady Knights have faced stiff competition, including losses to top 25 teams. Senior setter Kendra Gaddie's recent performance of 33 assists and 9 digs highlights her importance to the team. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='612196' first='Ella' last='Marrett'] has also made an impact with 13 kills and 12 digs. Marion must harness their chemistry and experience to succeed at the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Johnson Central Lady Eagles</sub></strong></h2>   <p>With a stellar 10-1 record and only three sets lost, the Lady Eagles are in solid form. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='531299' first='Adyson' last='Burchett'] has been consistent with 29 assists and 4 aces. In contrast, senior [player_tooltip player_id='269736' first='Mayson' last='Delong'] contributed 16 kills and 5 aces in a recent match. Johnson Central will face a new challenge with ranked teams at the Classic and will look to maintain their impressive season performance.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Atherton Ravens</sub></strong></h2>   <p>Currently 3-3, the Ravens have faced tough competition, including a loss to No. 2 Sacred Heart. Freshman Alexis May and senior Addison Doyle are vital in setting up the offense. The entire team must step up their game to contend with the top teams at the Classic.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Danville Christian Lady Warriors</sub></strong></h2>   <p>With a 2-4 record, the Lady Warriors are looking to turn their season around. Senior setter Bliss Swabey and junior Grace Meyer have been pivotal. Swabey recently recorded 29 assists and 13 digs, and Meyer added 17 kills and 18 digs. Danville Christian must leverage their youthful energy and talent to compete effectively in the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><sub>Highlands Latin Highlanders</sub></strong></h2>   <p>At 2-8, the Highlanders have had a challenging season but are preparing for a tough test at the Classic. Freshman setter Natalie Stosberg has shown promise with a double-double performance of 11 kills and 38 assists. The Highlanders must maximize their preparation from two home matches this week to significantly impact the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tournament Expectations and Final Thoughts</h2>   <p>Fans can expect high-level volleyball and thrilling competition as the teams gear up for the 2024 Capital City Classic. With a diverse mix of top-ranked teams and emerging contenders, each squad brings its unique strengths and strategies to the court. From unbeaten records to star players and intense rivalries, the tournament promises to showcase skill, determination, and athletic excellence. As teams aim to capitalize on their opportunities, spectators are in for an exciting weekend of action that will surely set the stage for the rest of the season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Senior setter Sanders has been exceptional, with 28 assists, 16 digs, and 3 blocks in their last match. She will be looked to keep the offense in system and keeping her hitters successful. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Junior middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='443382' first='Ava' last='Liening'] has been also impressed her opponents with 11 kills and 6 blocks in a recent win. She is a go too for her setter and is a great wall at the net. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Senior [player_tooltip player_id='159328' first='Sophie' last='Dufour'] continues to be an all around player for her team having success on offense and defense. She recently delivered with a season-high 29 kills along with 12 assists and 13 digs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Junior Libero [player_tooltip player_id='212394' first='Lauren' last='Parker'] contributes significantly in every match. Bringing energy and emotion to her game and the court. She was a crucial part of a recent win with 5 service aces and 27 digs. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lowe has been a standout as an all around player. Her team looks to her when a crucial points needs to be made. Addie had 15 kills, 3 aces, and 12 digs in their recent match.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Junior [player_tooltip player_id='212388' first='Payton' last='Avilez'] is also making her presence felt, with 6 kills and 12 digs during the Knights' last match. She brings enthusiasm and excitement to the game, and the team can feed off of that as they continue in the season.</p>

The 2024 Capital City Volleyball Classic, hosted by Franklin County on September 13th and 14th, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent as 14 teams vie for supremacy. With three teams currently in the top 25 and many others eager to prove their mettle, the tournament is set to be a high-energy affair.