On a night when the Patrick County High Lady Cougars honored seniors Eliza Clifton and Lilly Hazelwood in an emotional pregame ceremony, the team came away with a straight set win to close out the regular season with a 11-9 record. The Lady Cougars beat Martinsville 25-6, 25-14, 25-13 in the October 23 matchup.
Before the game’s start, seniors Eliza Clifton and Lilly Hazelwood, accompanied by their proud parents, were honored with gifts and hugs from their teammates and coaches.
“They’ve been really good for our program,” said PCHS head coach Heidi Moore. “They’ve worked hard. They give everything they have, day in and day out, and it was a really good night to celebrate them.”
“I enjoyed being with my friends before the game and being able to play with them for the last time on our home court,” said Eliza Clifton following the game. “It was nice seeing the support out tonight.”
Looking back on her senior season, Lilly Hazelwood said, “we played good. We struggled a little bit throughout the season, but It was fun.” Both seniors appreciated the fans and very vocal student section that came out for their final regular season home game.
The Lady Cougars started the match strong with a 7-0 run and would never look back, taking the first set 25-6. The second set was closer, with the Lady Cougars trailing at 6-10. Another seven-point run gave them a lead they wouldn’t give up, fishing the set 25-13.
The third set was close early, with the teams tied at eight. The Lady Cougars stepped it up and finished the set with a 17-5 run for a 25-13 win for the match.
The Lady Cougar seniors both had good nights on the court. Lilly Hazelwood finished with 10 kills and 4 digs. Eliza Clifton had 5 kills, 4 assists, 7 digs and 4 aces.
Chloe Hubbard chipped in 6 kills and Camille Gonzalez had 13 assists and 4 aces.
Next up for the Lady Cougars will be a postseason match the week of November 4, with the opponent and location to be decided.
