BETSY LAYNE - The tradition-rich Allen Central volleyball program claimed its seventh 58th District championship with a 3-1 win over tournament host Betsy Layne Thursday evening. The Rebels also captured the conference championship after compiling a 10-0 record in conference and district tournament play.
Allen Central overcame a slow start, defeating Betsy Layne 24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-15.
“Betsy Layne is a talented team and they certainly didn’t give us anything,” Allen Central Coach Larry Maynard commented. “We had to earn this victory.”
Freshman Katie Kendrick led a diverse Allen Central attack with 16 kills.
“This was a balanced effort – each set, someone stepped up to help us seal the win,” Maynard added.
Courtney Hodge dished out 41 assists to compliment two service aces and two kills. Rachel Moore pounded in 12 kills and Ciara Jones smacked in 11 and led the Allen Central volleyball team with three service aces.
“I am excited for our players and they deserve the credit for hanging in there and winning this match,” Maynard confided.
Laken Tackett slammed in seven kills and played an excellent net game, recording 10 blocks. Kendrick logged eight blocks and dug up 14.
DeShea Elliott led the Allen Central defensive effort with 28 digs. Hodge scooped up 19 for the Rebels. Moore registered 11 scoops and Jones chipped in 10. Freshman Sarah Grindrod made her presence known with three kills, two assists, two blocks and two digs. Chelsea Austin stepped in to serve, delivering seven without an error and notching two digs to contribute to the Allen Central win.
“This was a fantastic team effort from everyone,” Maynard said. “We had some mental lapses in defensive responsibilities and floor coverage but our offensive effort was balanced and our attacks were from all areas.”
The Rebels served at 93 percent, penetrating a tough Bobcat side-out defense six times and pounding in 50 kills while hitting at .289.
“Our defense was tough and did a pretty thorough job stopping the Betsy Layne offense,” Maynard noted.
The Allen Central squad returned 90 percent of the Bobcat attempts while earning 91 digs and registering 23 total blocks.
“All I can say is that Betsy Layne is a team with some very good players, and, fortunately, we were able to sustain our intensity to take the match from them,” Maynard concluded.
Seven Rebels honored: Allen Central placed seven players on the All-58th District Tournament Team - Courtney Hodge, Ciara Jones, Laken Tackett, DeShea Elliott, Sarah Grindrod and Rachel Moore. Moore was named the tournament’s MVP.
58th District Volleyball Tournament
at Betsy Layne
Monday, Oct. 8
Piarist School 3, Prestonsburg 2 (23-25, 25-14, 25-18, 15-25, 15-1)
Tuesday, Oct. 9
Betsy Layne 3, South Floyd 0 (27-25, 25-22, 25-9)
Allen Central 3, Piarist School 0 ( 25-13, 25-16, 25-18)
Thursday, Oct. 11
Allen Central 3, Betsy Layne 1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21 25-15)
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