2024 State Tournament First Round- History Making Moments

Attend the Top 250 Expo 12/1 in Wilder, KY! Use coupon code “HurstExpo2024” at checkout for $10 off registration fee! Here's the link to the event page: <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1299/register/kentucky-top-250-expo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://events.prepdig.com/e/1299/register/kentucky-top-250-expo</a>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 State Tournament - History Making Moments </h2>   The 2024 Kentucky State Volleyball Tournament was not just a competition; rather, it marked a significant chapter in the sport's history. Not only did it bring excitement and talent, but it also featured history-making moments that resonated across the state. As teams showcased their best efforts, a compelling mix of powerhouse programs and emerging contenders fiercely battled for a coveted spot in the Quarterfinals. Here's a detailed breakdown of the matches, standout performances, and what's next for these determined teams.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paintsville (3) vs. Whitley County (0)</h2>   Scores: 25-19, 25-10, 25-16   Paintsville made history by securing its first-ever postseason win in the state tournament. They sweept Whitley County in three sets. Coach Dawn Kinner had this to say about her team's historic win, "I am so proud of the energy and effort that our team played with. Every girl stepped in and did their job, and they stayed aggressive offensively. Overall, great team effort, and we are so proud of our girls."   [player_tooltip player_id='253875' first='Kylie' last='Kinner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='269735' first='Olivia' last='Maynard'] remained prominent at the net, just as they have all season, while both contributed to a strong defensive game. Additionally, Annabelle Blankenship and Mallory May stepped up significantly on the frontline. Meanwhile, setter Bailee Porter did an excellent job running the offense and staying consistent. On the defensive side, Jenna Ousley, Ella Wells, Sarah Ward, and Julia Veronneau were clutch; furthermore, Jenna excelled at running the out-of-system offense.   Next Matchup: Paintsville will take on Scott, who defeated West Jessamine in a 3-2 nail-biter win, for a chance to go to the Final Four at George Rogers Clark on November 8 at  5:00 pm.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Assumption (3) vs. Central Hardin (0)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-9, 25-14, 25-19   Defending champions Assumption wasted no time setting the tone, showing why they're favorites for a back-to-back title run. Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='172952' first='Emilee' last='Fuller'] expertly guided the offense, tallying 29 assists. Middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='172951' first='Bailey' last='Blair'] controlled the net with 13 kills and 5 blocks, adding depth to an already formidable lineup. Libero [player_tooltip player_id='172945' first='Kristen' last='Simon'] anchored the defense with 12 digs, ensuring Central Hardin couldn't find a rhythm.   Next Matchup: Assumption's next obstacle before moving on to the Final Four will be McCracken County on November 8 at 1:30 pm.  McCracken lost in this match last year against Notre Dame, so they want to move past this part of the tournament.  Assumption has been here many times, and they want to continue with their season and defend their title.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bowling Green (3) vs. Heritage Christian (0)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-10, 25-11, 25-10   After Heritage Christian won its first region championship in school history, it knew it had a big challenge with its first game against Bowling Green. The match ended up being just that, and the Purples came out firing and didn't stop. Bowling Green had something to prove after not making the tournament last year.      Bowling Green was led by the KVCA Region 4 Player of the Year and 6-4 Louisville commit middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='212192' first='Amirra' last='Bailey']. The team looks to her for consistent kills and blocking. Bailey continues to thrive in that leadership role. Setter JoEllen Marshall set up the Purples' offense well, mixing in sets to [player_tooltip player_id='276175' first='Morgan' last='Rockrohr'] and Addie Kincheloe. [player_tooltip player_id='477191' first='Claire' last='Lawless'] led the Purples' defense.    Next Matchup: Bowling Green will now face off with Mercy Academy, which has a 26-14 record. Both teams have experience in the state tournament, but Mercy has titles to add to its list, including back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 and state champions again in 2014.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">McCracken County (3) vs. Owensboro (0)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-21, 25-18, 25-8   McCracken had the upper hand in this match from the start, having been to the state tournament 12 times in a row while it was Owensboro's first time. However, you never want to count an underdog out. Owensboro did their best to hang with the Mustangs in the first two sets but couldn't stop them, especially in the third set, when they dominated with a 25-8 win.     Senior [player_tooltip player_id='159358' first='Addison' last='Hart'] easily led the team, being aggressive at the net with both kills and blocks. Junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='757541' first='Taylor' last='Dugan'] does a great job delivering a consistent set to all of her hitters. This gave them a multitude of options when hitting. She will be a great asset to the team as they continue in the tournament and next year as a senior.    Next Matchup: At 1:30 pm on Thursday, November 8, the Mustangs will take on Assumption, which has a 32-8 record and won the title last year and at least 14 times in the past. This will be a massive test for the Mustangs after not having much competition in their district or region.      <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mercy (3) vs. North Oldham (1)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-23, 27-29, 25-21, 25-21   These two teams aren't strangers to each other, but Mercy has come out on top all 11 times before meeting in last night's state tournament game, so now they can make it an even dozen wins against North Oldham.     Sophomore setter [player_tooltip player_id='544366' first='Addison' last='Randol'] and Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='245633' first='Maia' last='Marin'] led the team in assists, with Randol having 26 and Marin 18.   The consistent setting allowed junior outside Madelyn Yaden to have 19 kills, and freshman middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='611834' first='Nalani' last='Derringer'] to finish with 13 kills on the night and 4 blocks. Marin also helped her team with 5 kills and 10 digs. [player_tooltip player_id='172954' first='Madisyn' last='Green'] led the team with 27 digs with [player_tooltip player_id='554148' first='Emma' last='Cronen'] adding 16 digs to round out the defense.    Next Matchup: Mercy will now take on Bowling Green with a 34-6 record. Mercy has more experience in the tournament and has played tougher opponents during the season, but you can never look over a game too quickly. Mercy looks to make it back to the Final Four and earn the state title.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notre Dame (3) vs. Lexington Catholic (0)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-23, 25-18, 25-18   The number one-ranked Notre Dame Pandas are aiming for their 11th state title, and the Knights were the first team in the way. The Lexington Catholic Knights came into the state tournament for the first time with nothing to lose. The Pandas were in control the entire match, but the Knights held their own against the top-ranked team in the state.  The Pandas were led by junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='210634' first='Julia' last='Grace'], who was recently named the KVCA Region 9 Player Of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year.  She can deliver just about any ball to her hitters so they can be successful at the net.  One of those hitters was Xavier, commit senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='210633' first='Ava' last='Tilden'], who had 16 kills and 1 block.  Her aggressive approach at the net made it hard for the Knights to stay in system.  Grace was also the leader in digs with 18 and had 2 aces.  Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='231876' first='Ella' last='Goetz'] added to the team's success with 8 kills and 5 blocks. The aggressive play at the net caused the Knights to rethink and rework their offense.    Next Matchup: Notre Dame will now take on Knott County Central, a first-time state tournament team, on Thursday at 7:30 pm p.m. to make it to the Final Four. The Patriots are 31-9 and undefeated in their region and district, but their competition doesn't compare to the teams that Notre Dame faces throughout the year.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Scott (3) vs. West Jessamine (2)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-16, 14-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12   This isn't the first time these two teams have met. In fact, it was the same setup just at West Jessamine, and the Colts got the win in 2020. This time, Scott held on to win in a thrilling five-set match. Neither team wanted their seasons to end, and the scores and the grit and determination on each side of the net proved that to be true.    Scott looked to their two-time 10th Region Player of the Year junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='212393' first='Milyn' last='Minor'] to be the anchor for their success.  She has had several double-digit kill games, with numerous double-doubles, and playing the Colts was no different.  Senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='477092' first='Brooklyn' last='Helm'] was dynamic at the net and could keep West Jessamine guessing where she was going to send her next attack or tip.  Their junior setter, Ryann Grisby, effortlessly put balls right where her hitters needed them, and she also defended very well.  Senior [player_tooltip player_id='477094' first='Elise' last='Manhardt'] rounded out the Eagle's defensive play as the team's senior libero, keeping the plays going, which frustrated the Colts.    Next Matchup: The Eagles will now take on Paintsville, which made history by winning their first postseason match in school history. Scott was in the state semifinals back in 2014 and wants to make it to the final four. This match will take place on November 8 at 5 pm.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Knott County Central (3) vs. Ashland Blazer (1)</h2>   Set Scores: 25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 25-9   Knott County Central came out on top in a matchup of two state tournament newcomers. The first four sets were close, but set four was dominated by Knott County Central, which now continues its history-making season.    Knott County Central does a great job with team chemistry and involving several players, which aids in making the team successful.  Senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='159392' first='Ellie' last='Miller'] had 30 assists and 8 digs, and Sophomore setter/opposite [player_tooltip player_id='484291' first='Zoe' last='Miller'] had 4 kills, 20 assists, 14 digs, and 1 ace. The sets were placed perfectly to help senior outside [player_tooltip player_id='172935' first='Faith' last='Pollard'], who had 23 kills, 5 blocks, and 11 digs. Akasia Bentley, senior outside, also had 11 kills, 4 blocks, 13 digs, and 2 aces to help with the win against Ashland Blazer.  It didn't stop there, though.  Not to be outdone, junior outside [player_tooltip player_id='276172' first='Taylor' last='Baker'] had 10 kills, 2 blocks, 13 digs, and 1 ace.  All players worked together to keep Ashland Blazer on their toes at all times, and in the end, they finished in victory.    Next Matchup: Knott County Central will take on the number-one ranked Notre Dame on November 8 at 7:30 pm.  Notre Dame will obviously be the favorite, but they can not overlook Knott County Central, who does an incredible job with spreading out their offense and staying in the system.  They have nothing to lose and sometimes that is a much easier way to play then if you are trying to defend several titles.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Quarterfinals: What's to Come?</h2>   As the 2024 Kentucky State Volleyball Tournament continues, every team is focused on their ultimate goal of capturing the state title. With each match providing memorable moments and exceptional displays of talent, fans can look forward to a thrilling path to the championship.<div></div>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Bracket Link:</h2>   <a href="https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyvb24?id=tournament_220200">https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyvb24?id=tournament_220200</a>

Attend the Top 250 Expo 12/1 in Wilder, KY! Use coupon code “HurstExpo2024” at checkout for $10 off registration fee! Here's the link to the event page: https://events.prepdig.com/e/1299/register/kentucky-top-250-expo