Defending Eighth District champion Hopkinsville played themselves out of a top seed in next month’s district volleyball tournament during the first half of the season. However, after Tuesday’s four-set win over Christian County, the Lady Tigers have played themselves back into the championship discussion.
Hoptown started strong and finished strong in claiming the 25-6, 25-17, 23-25, 25-20 win at Tiger Gym. The Lady Colonel loss means University Heights will be the No. 1 seed in the district tournament and that Christian County will see Hopkinsville again in the semifinals.
Hoptown seniors Sarah Cavanah and Karalyn Beymer set the tone in the first set. Cavanah had three aces and two kills, and Beymer added three kills as the Lady Tigers jumped ahead 13-2 and never allowed Christian County to get within single digits.
The second set was much closer as Christian County found their footing and led 15-13. However, Hopkinsville used a 12-2 run to end the set and grab a 25-17 win.
Christian County was the aggressor in the third set as Elizabeth Gibbs was moved to libero. Ariyonna Johnson benefitted with three kills and a pair of aces in the set. The Lady Colonels led 18-11 before Hoptown rallied to take a 23-21 lead and appeared to be on their way to a sweep. Mackenzie Smiley had a pair of kills to spark a Lady Colonel 4-0 run to claim the third set.
The Lady Tigers again used a quick start in the fourth set, jumping out to a 7-2 lead. Christian County battled back to tie the set at 10, 11 and 13. Hoptown scored four straight points to lead 17-13 and never let the Lady Colonels tie the match again in winning the set 25-20.
Cavanah finished with 11 kills and nine aces in the match for Hoptown. Beymer and Hope Pace each had nine kills, and Savannah Peck had 25 assists.
Johnson had nine kills and five aces for Christian County, while Macy Baker added eight kills, and Haley Scott had three aces.
Christian County (9-15) will host Fort Campbell Thursday, while Hopkinsville (5-15) will travel to Caldwell County.