16th Semifinals Recap: Ashland-Rowan County advance

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seeing the Ashland Kittens still in the region championship game at 7 p.m. back at Raceland is not a surprise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kittens (35-4 overall) came into the season favored to repeat as region champions and have driven through region opponents with a perfect 18-0 mark losing just three sets. Several teams in Russell, Greenup County, Rowan County and even district rival Boyd County hoped to join the Kittens in the championship game entering the season. Rowan County (27-6) wound up emerging from that pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland won both regular season games against the Valkyries, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 27-25) on Aug. 28 in Morehead and Oct. 9 in Ashland, 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-18).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 1: Ashland 3, Russell 0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-18)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kittens and Red Devils met for the fourth time this season. Russell came the closest of any team to beating the Kittens losing 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 22-25, 25-16, 15-11) at Ashland on Oct. 16. Similar to the rest of the region, Ashland controlled the net with its size with senior 5-11 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='782415' first='Miley' last='Murphy'] and sophomore 6-0 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='781585' first='Elise' last='Marcum'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior outside hitters [player_tooltip player_id='741516' first='Mena' last='Pittman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='741511' first='Olivia' last='Wiley'] added to that cause with senior [player_tooltip player_id='782955' first='Sydney' last='Mertz'] also reaching triple figures in kills recently. Mertz and [player_tooltip player_id='786656' first='Caroline' last='Lowman'] set up the hitters well with [player_tooltip player_id='766336' first='Karley' last='Jade Sperry'], [player_tooltip player_id='782951' first='Anniston' last='Mertz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='893930' first='Melanie' last='Kelley'] making crisp first touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell (27-11) tried to set up power hitters [player_tooltip player_id='535185' first='Jaycee' last='Hall'], [player_tooltip player_id='877673' first='Brooklyn' last='Sizemore'], [player_tooltip player_id='815257' first='Kennedy' last='Darnell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='761943' first='Sydney' last='Sizemore'] up for success as much as possible, but could not sustain consistent rhythms against the Ashland front line. Senior libero Brooklyn Holley and sophomore Abigail Artis did what they could to set up the Russell offensive flow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game 2: Rowan County 3, Boyd County 1 (25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 25-23)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When one things of Rowan County, it is often about the big three in junior setter [player_tooltip player_id='253881' first='Mallory' last='Jones'] along with the two kills leaders in junior [player_tooltip player_id='535235' first='Belle' last='Mains'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='697081' first='Ella' last='Breeze']. However, the Valkyries would not have made it back to the region championship for the first time since 2020 without a lot of help of teammates doing a lot of little things that add up to big things.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooklyn Tenyer, Ella Brinker and [player_tooltip player_id='874785' first='Eva' last='Brinker'] have reached triple digits in kills. Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='781412' first='Eliza' last='McGillicuddy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='611809' first='Kelsey' last='May'] along with senior Dakota Ginter make a lot of plays on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side, Boyd County (13-17) tried to involve [player_tooltip player_id='611964' first='Adria' last='Queen'] as much as possible with her size advantage. Senior hitters [player_tooltip player_id='754834' first='Payton' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='754838' first='Lilah' last='Thornbury'], [player_tooltip player_id='754840' first='Hallie' last='Barnett'], [player_tooltip player_id='754842' first='Sophia' last='Clark'] and [player_tooltip player_id='836464' first='Natalee' last='Ruggles'] took big swings off nice sets from setters Laura Chaffin and [player_tooltip player_id='754849' first='Casie' last='Porter']. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='479269' first='Baylee' last='Moore'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='754844' first='Josi' last='Crank'] made big plays to keep balls alive throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd County led the first set a good bit before Rowan County ran off five in a row off four Breeze kills and one from Mains to go up 24-19. The Lions scored three in a row before Breeze ended it with a kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowan County stayed in a nice offensive rhythm in the second set. Mains landed two aces to give the Valkyries an 18-5 lead. However, Boyd County came out of the timeout and scored six in a row with Queen recording several kills before [player_tooltip player_id='874785' first='Eva' last='Brinker'] ended the run with a kill in the middle. Jones ended that set putting down an overpassed ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowan County came out in the third set and scored the first three points, but Boyd County came back to go up 8-4 never relinquishing that lead. The Lions led 24-16 before the Valkyries scored four straight on two Breeze kills. Thornbury ended it with a tip kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd County came out on fire in the fourth set going up 5-0. Rowan County though came back and took a 13-12, but could not extend the lead to more than two points until Jones won a joust to give the Valkyries a 23-20 lead. Following a Rowan County net hit, the Valkyries earned game point on a Mains kill. Boyd County withstood it twice before Breeze put one down to win it for Rowan County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782415"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898906,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69039768787d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Murphy (pictured) controlled the net as well as she has all season for the Kittens. She forms sound double blocks with her teammates, reading hitters well. Murphy hits balls to different parts of the court on ones. Murphy gets into good position on serve reception and defense showing she can also get Ashland into a good offensive rhythm. Murphy said she works with her teammates in practice noting it is vital to know who is around them on the court and how to work with them. For example, Murphy said she and Marcum tell the pin hitters to yell for them so they know where to go to close on blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741511"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898913,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903976878851"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wiley dazzles on the court day in and day out. Wiley puts good power into balls on the outside and can make solid dig after dig using a sound platform. Wiley has great court sense and is not afraid to communicate with teammates, helping get them in good positions to succeed. Wiley said taking practices extra seriously has helped the team's success and noted everyone glues the team together, as opposed to one person.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["786656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898916,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69039768788bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lowman has displayed great improvement at the setter spot throughout the season. Lowman does a variety of sets including back sets and makes smooth passes. Lowman also leads the Kittens in aces. She does a great job keeping opponent out of rhythm, mixing up serving locations. Lowman said she feels she's improved as a setter by developing chemistry with the seniors and learning how to run quicker sets offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766336"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898918,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903976878921"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sperry patrols the back row with authority for the Kittens. Sperry moves her feet well consistently beating balls to their spots on the court, then extends her arms well to make precise two to three-point passes. Sperry can make good out of system passes to make sure hitters take good swings at balls. Sperry agreed it is vital to go for every ball even if one does not think she can get it because it pushes you when you have to go for balls, it becomes second nature.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898923,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690399b5bec2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hall uses a quick arm swing to make things happen in the middle and the pins for the Red Devils. Hall did everything she could for to help Russell advance, providing that breakout year her head coach hoped for. Hall is a sound passer and server. Hall also formed some nice double blocks at the net for big points. Hall will find more ways to dominate on the court her senior year with a solid club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898958,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903aa2fba133"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mains regularly puts on a hitting clinic for the Valkyries. She rises high on the four and five balls and can send them different places like down the left line or painting the back line. Mains consistently gave the Lions problems with her crosses. Her defense can not be overlooked. She made a number of hard and simple passes in addition to solid serves throughout the game. If one guessed over when asked if she'd have 20 kills in this game over or under, they were right. Mains unofficially had 26 in the big Valkyrie win. Mains said the team took the do-or-die mentality into the game hoping to give the four seniors at least one more game. Mains added the players have grown up together so the trust on and off the court has been there for a long time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["253881"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898960,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903aa2fba1d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones once again displayed why she is one of the top setters in the state with her command of the offense. Jones involves a number of hitters with dynamic one, four, five and back sets. Jones won a key joust in the fourth set and consistently delivers with her serving and first touches. Jones said the Valkyries do a good job keeping each other in a good mindset whether leading or trailing in games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["611809"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898962,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903aa2fba270"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">May continues to communicate well on the court, delivering sound serves and first touches for the Valkyries. May moves her feet well and squares her arms up to balls well for Rowan County to deliver crisp two to three-point passes to Jones so she can find the talented hitters. May said Mains and Breeze really challenge all the defensive players in practice so they can make big digs in big games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754838"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898967,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903aa2fba2f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thornbury has tremendous character both on and off the court. She lays it on the line every time she takes the court for the Lions. Thornbury takes hard swings and makes quality passes for the Lions. Boyd County may not have had the season it wanted, but Thornbury helped the Lions advance one round further in the region tournament than last year recording nine digs and six kills in the quarterfinal win over Greenup County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["611964"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":898970,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6903aa2fba37a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Queen takes sound swings on ones and makes things happen with a good vertical jump on blocks. Queen has good roll shots from the middle and the pins. Queen can turn into one of the better middles in the region with improved speed and footwork in the club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for nearly two years and has enjoyed getting to know the volleyball scenes in both Kentucky and Ohio. If you liked the story, please copy and paste to X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. You may also follow us at @prepdigkentucky or @prepdigoh on Instagram in addition to @PrepDigKy or @PrepDigOH on X. If you feel someone in Kentucky or Ohio needs coverage or even have feedback on the Kentucky rankings, please email Mike at pnmikeg@yahoo.com. You may also follow him on X @GMCgrah or Instagram @g.michaelgraham. Subscriptions give you access to exclusive content. For a 30% discount, enter code graham30 at checkout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->