Despite a slow start, the Patrick County Lady Cougars nearly clawed their way back into their September 18 match against Franklin County, falling in straight sets but showing grit and determination in the tightly contested final two sets.
Franklin County got off to a fast start in the first set, using a 7-0 run to take the early six point lead. The Lady Cougars would get within four points, 6-10, but four and five point runs by Franklin County proved too much, as they would fall 12-25.
“I think we came out flat,” said Lady Cougar head coach Heidi Moore.
In the second set, the Lady Cougars made adjustments and played solid volleyball. The set stayed close until a late Franklin County run gave them a 17-22 lead. Following a timeout, the Lady Cougars rallied to tie the set at 23, before falling 23-25.
The third set was a nail-biter, with the teams swapping the lead throughout. Tied at 14, the teams traded points until tying again at 23-23. Franklin County took the final two points of the set, winning 23-25, and the match.
Coach Heidi Moore was happy with the Lady Cougars’ effort following the disappointing first set.
“We changed some things that seemed to help out a lot. I like how we played at the end. A few points either way and we pull out those last two sets. We’re still working and hopefully, keep getting better.”
Jayden Callahan had 6 kills, 9 digs and 2 aces on the night. Camille Gonzalez had 13 assists and 12 digs, Journey Moore had 10 digs, 2 kills and an ace, and Sydney Tatum finished with 6 kills.
