Team Profile: Ashland adds size in quest for region repeat

It may be mid-June, but the Ashland Kittens look to be in mid-season form in many ways. The Kittens ventured to Pikeville for the two-day University of Pikeville Summer Tournament Camp last weekend and came back gold champions with a spotless 5-0 mark defeating the likes of Johnson Central, Paintsville and Shelby Valley.   Ashland is coming off a spectacular 33-7 season that concluded with a 64th District crown and the program's first 16th Region crown since 2011. The Kittens lost 3-1 (25-16, 25-23, 20-25, 25-9) at Knott County Central in the first round of the state tournament.   "One of the things I think that's helped us a lot these past few years is chemistry," said Jason Clark, Ashland head coach. "Even our parents, we stress, 'Let's all be positive.' The parents create the chemistry. The way they respond to what goes on the floor is the way the kids are going to respond. If they're positive about our team, they're positive about the things going on, then our kids are going to be positive about things going on the floor. We want them to have some adversity because that's where you grow. We've tried to buy into it as a family and just try to run with it as a family. It's tough sometimes. But those are the things that help us be successful on the court."   Despite graduating two key players in setter Grace Clark and hitter Sadie Chaffins along with three other seniors, the Kittens return plenty of firepower and have added some size this summer. Senior 5-11 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='782415' first='Miley' last='Murphy'] transferred in from Cabell Midland to go with sophomore six-footer [player_tooltip player_id='781585' first='Elise' last='Marcum'] and Mel Kelly in the middle. Murphy and Marcum drew some double blocks in the tournament, thus opening things up for senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='741516' first='Mena' last='Pittman']. The same can be said for senior outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='741511' first='Olivia' last='Wiley'].   Grace Clark took most of the sets last year, but senior [player_tooltip player_id='782955' first='Sydney' last='Mertz'] brings back experience and could split the setting duties with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='786656' first='Caroline' last='Lowman']. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='766336' first='Karley' last='Jade Sperry'] returns after an excellent season last year along with senior defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='782951' first='Anniston' last='Mertz'].   Ashland continues to play in the summer leagues before the dead period. The Kittens then play in two scrimmages before playing host to Prestonsburg on Aug. 18.   Key Players    Murphy (pictured) gives the Kittens a powerful weapon in the middle. She takes powerful swings and wrist swings consistently finding ways to put balls past sound blockers. She won a joust against Johnson Central 6-1 middle blocker [player_tooltip player_id='762073' first='Macie' last='Clark'] in the UPike Summer Tournament Camp. Murphy said the size will help preserve energy from the back row players when the team is blocking balls, Murphy is especially tough on the quicks. Murphy adds in a powerful jump serve to take opponents out of system and is great on double blocks.     Pittman could be more dangerous from the outside this year because the Kittens have size in the middle meaning she could receive a lot of opportunities against solo blockers. Pittman does a great job hitting all over the court, especially on the go routes. Pittman is also a sound passer and server. Pittman said she's excited for her senior year and to play with her friends one more time, noting the seniors have played together since the sixth grade. She said the experience at state last year should help the team prepare better.     Mertz helps the Kittens form a solid defense in the back row. Mertz does a great job reading her blockers and the opposing hitters then making the sound two to three-point passes to start the offense. Mertz said the size up front will help the defensive specialists track down balls better.     Mertz earned some big setting experience for the Kittens last fall and club season. Mertz distributes the ball well all over the court. The lefty Mertz delivers a tough jump serve and can hit balls to different parts of the court on the right side. Mertz said she can use the net more while up front to find a spot, tip and take a good swing out of system as a lefty. Mertz is also a sound blocker. Mertz had 158 kills, 54 solo blocks, 268 assists and 98 digs for the Kittens this past fall.     Sperry has a motor on the court as a libero for both the high school and club teams. She maintains her platform following through on passes to the setter. Sperry only dives when necessary. Sperry creates things out of system and is a solid server. Sperry had 787 digs and 33 aces for the Kittens last fall.    Note from the Writer   Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year 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, 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. 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It may be mid-June, but the Ashland Kittens look to be in mid-season form in many ways. The Kittens ventured to Pikeville for the two-day University of Pikeville Summer Tournament Camp last weekend and came back gold champions with a spotless 5-0 mark defeating the likes of Johnson Central, Paintsville and Shelby Valley.