PREP VOLLEYBALL: Addison sweeps Cullman Christian on senior night

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The Addison Lady Bulldogs swept St. Bernard and Meek Wednesday night to win this year’s 1A, Area 14 Tournament. (Brandon Evans/The Cullman Tribune)

ADDISON, Ala. — The Addison Lady Bulldogs hosted area foe Cullman Christian at Allen Stevenson Gym Tuesday night, and it was Senior Night for the Lady Bulldogs. Addison celebrated the occasion with a 3-0 win (25-11, 25-10, 25-12) over the Lions.

Addison honored two seniors on this night. Katie Barrett who played five years of varsity volleyball, is a three-time state champion, two-time all-area selection and two time all-county selection. Ms. Barrett is also a team captain. Ms. Barrett was escorted on the court by her parents, Gary and Peggy Barrett. 

Ms. Lauryn Cunningham played varsity volleyball for three years, is a two-time state champion and earned an all-county selection. Ms. Cunningham is also a team captain as well. Ms. Cunningham was escorted on the court by her mother, Tina Cunningham. Lauryn is also the daughter of the late John Cunningham.

Addison 25 – Cullman Christian 11 (First set)

Addison jumped out quickly and dominated the early going. The Lady Bulldogs were totally focused and were playing extremely well both offensively and defensively. Addison built an 18-3 lead. Annabeth Powell, Katie Barrett and Lauryn Cunningham led in serves, while Brystil Moser and Mattie Johnson took care of the defense. Then as expected the Lady Dawgs hit a lull and the extremely young Lady Lions, not a senior on the roster and only two juniors, struck back. Cullman Christian took seven straight points to cut the lead to 18-10. After an Addison timeout, the Lady Bulldogs came out refocused and put the hammer down on the Lady Lions. Addison took seven of the final eight points for the 25-11 victory.

Addison 25 – Cullman Christian 10 (Second set)

This set was much more competitive early on than the first set. The game was tied at five through the early going. Barrett took the serve for the Lady Dawgs and went for four straight points to give the Dawgs a 9-5 lead.  After a short two-point run by the Lady Lions to get them to within 9-7, Powell took the service for the Lady Dawgs and took seven straight to put the set out of reach at 16-7. Barrett and Ava Bartlett were instrumental in the solid Addison defense during this stretch. Cunningham served up seven straight points where Addison was up 23-7. The young ladies from Cullman Christian didn’t give up and took the next three to trail 23-10. Moser finished off the Lady Lions 25-10 for the second set victory.

Addison 25 – Cullman Christian 12 (Third set)

The young Lady Lions didn’t know that they were supposed to lay down to the heavily favored Lady Bulldogs and played like it. They came out and played very well at the beginning of the set. The young Lady Lions were actually ahead 5-4. Addison’s Moser took over at serve and got six straight points until a Lady Lion kill.  With Addison up 10-6, Powell served for seven straight and Addison had a commanding 17-6 lead. The Lady Lions playing solid team defense, took the next five points and were down 17-11. Ms. Cunningham then basically ended the game as she took seven straight for a 24-11 lead. Barrett and Johnson handled the net. Addison closed it out 25-12.

Addison Head Coach Kaydi Woodard,

“Proud of how we came out and played on a night that could have been distracting for my girls. We were focused, for the most part, and didn’t have as many communication issues as in the past. We played with good aggression and consistent effort. As far as our two seniors (Katie Barrett and Lauryn Cunningham) they each have brought so much to the program, and I am thankful for their hard work and dedication to continue the Addison tradition.”

Senior Katie Barrett,

“Addison Volleyball means a lot to me. I have enjoyed my time with my teammates and coaches and I know that the experiences that I have had will help me in the future. I have been honored to represent Addison High School on and off the court. I have to say that I couldn’t have accomplished anything without the love and support of my parents (Gary and Peggy Barrett). They have sacrificed so much for me to fullfill my dreams of playing volleyball.”

Senior Lauryn Cunningham,

“I know that I will miss my teammates and coaches. I also love the atmosphere and competition when we are on the court. I just hope that I have contributed in a positive way to the legacy of Addison volleyball and the tradition of winning. I do know that without my mom (Tina Cunningham) and my dad (the late John Cunningham) I could not have been as successful as I was on and off the volleyball court.

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