Inside the Loveland at Kings battle for ECC lead

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams could end up meeting several times this year with a lot on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While both teams are loaded offensively, the host Kings Knights stayed undefeated both overall and in East Cincinnati Conference play at 6-0 with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-20) victory over the Loveland Tigers (6-2 overall, 5-1 ECC). Kings executed better in a number of areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We've been passing a two all year. When you can pass a two, good things are eventually going to come," said Amanda Meadows, Kings head coach. "I'm not saying our offense isn't strong. It is. But obviously, you're going to have games where you go back and forth offensively. Last year, we definitely did not pass a two on a regular basis. This year, I have four passers that are just doing a very solid job."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='725537' first='Kennady' last='Horsley'] led the Knights attack with those crisp first passes along with [player_tooltip player_id='222621' first='Ava' last='McIntyre'] and Alana Burke then setter [player_tooltip player_id='608312' first='Anabelle' last='Seni'] made consistent sets all evening involving a number of hitters. McIntyre and [player_tooltip player_id='774795' first='Laura' last='Raines'] led the Knights in kills, but [player_tooltip player_id='227799' first='Sophia' last='Richardson'] had big swings and a number of solid blocks helping Kings control the net. McIntyre, Seni and [player_tooltip player_id='884262' first='Anaiah' last='Taylor'] also had big blocks in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loveland's dynamic senior duo of setter [player_tooltip player_id='227619' first='Makenna' last='Kirlin'] and outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='227616' first='Josie' last='Nichols'] did what they could to help Loveland take over the ECC lead. [player_tooltip player_id='621391' first='Ella' last='George'] had a good game defensively and [player_tooltip player_id='783671' first='Marisa' last='Whalen'] made some nice digs and big kills. Kings controlled the net better, kept Loveland out of system more and had better offensive balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first set stayed close early, but Kings used a run of three straight to go up 6-3 before Loveland scored five straight to trim it to 11-10. Kings answered with five in a row to go up 17-12. Raines finished off the set with a kill off blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second set stayed tight longer. However, Horsley served three straight aces and Richardson had a block before another Horsely ace to put Kings up 15-10. Loveland did not come any closer than four points after that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loveland came out strong in the third set with a 5-1 lead with Nichols landing two straight kills. The Knights chipped away at it and took a 15-13 lead. The Tigers tied it at 16 before Kings pulled away with four straight. Burke finished the game with a kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams continue ECC action Monday. Kings goes to Lebanon for a 6:45 p.m. game and Loveland hosts Turpin at 6:30 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774795"],"_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":883734,"_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-68bb114387cc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There is a reason why Kings head coach Amanda Meadows said she wishes Raines could have played varsity last year. Raines takes solid swings from all six spots on the court. Her back row hitting will be huge for the Knights. Raines makes crisp passes then quickly transitions to offense. Raines added in a sound jump serve to keep Loveland out of rhythm. Raines said a ton of practice and a solid setter are keys to sound hits from the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884262"],"_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":885360,"_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-68bb114387d84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor (pictured) can not be overlooked for the Knights. Taylor does her part to help Kings control the net. Taylor had big blocks and hard hits from the middle. Taylor is also a hustler on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["222621"],"_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":883746,"_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-68bb16399d099"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McIntyre made her usual quality contributions for the Knights. McIntyre slammed a number of balls down the lines and across the court constantly keeping Loveland guessing on where to set up blocks. McIntyre also took some quality swings from the back row. McIntyre makes smooth passes and is an excellent leader for Kings on and off the court. McIntyre is not afraid to take over when games are on the line. McIntyre said the program gives God the glory and the players know they're playing for something bigger. McIntyre added she tries to take what she's learned from players before her and shares it with her teammates and that the players have each others' backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["608312"],"_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":883749,"_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-68bb16399d140"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seni has been sound in her her two years as the Kings starting setter, hence the reason she hit 1,000 assists for her career in the win over Loveland. She moves her feet well and puts balls on target whether Kings is in or out of system. Seni's passing also played a big role in the win. Seni said she can't take all the credit for the assists. She said the passing is amazing and the hitting is much improved from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725537"],"_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":883759,"_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-68bb16399d1ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Horsley has taken major steps as the libero for the Knights from her sophomore to junior season. Horsley continues to give great effort going after balls, but is handling hard hit balls better this season. Horsley had one big dig that landed in the five zone on the Loveland side for a big point. Horsley sends line drive serves, even landing an ace on Nichols. Horsley said her reaction time has improved a lot, noting she was sometimes caught outside the block in the past.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227619"],"_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":883765,"_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-68bb16399d210"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kirlin has added in surprises on second touches for the Tigers. She shoved some balls to the corners and took swings on others for big points. Kirlin continues to set nice long and short balls, mixing in setovers and setter dumps to the 10-foot line if open. Kirlin quietly goes about her game whether Loveland is winning or losing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227616"],"_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":883767,"_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-68bb16399d271"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nichols faced a number of double blocks in the loss, but still found ways over and around them for the most part. Nichols comes up with big kills when the Tigers need them the most. She is not afraid to curl shots away from defensive specialists out of system when needed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stat Leaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227616' first='Josie' last='Nichols'], Loveland - 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='222621' first='Ava' last='McIntyre'], Kings - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='774795' first='Laura' last='Raines'], Kings - 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227799' first='Sophia' last='Richardson'], Kings - 9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='806668' first='Marisa' last='Whalen'], Loveland - 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='227619' first='Makenna' last='Kirlin'], Loveland - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828283' first='Kylie' last='George'], Loveland - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Assists</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='608312' first='Anabelle' last='Seni'], Kings - 32</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirlin - 23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Digs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='725537' first='Kennady' last='Horsley'], Kings - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='621391' first='Ella' last='George'], Loveland - 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McIntyre - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whalen - 11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirlin - 9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nichols - 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seni - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aces</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horsley - 5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raines - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blocks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richardson - 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McIntyre - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seni - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884262' first='Anaiah' last='Taylor'], Kings - 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Note from the Writer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mike Graham has been writing for Prep Dig for one year and a half 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 -->