ADDISON, Ala. — The Addison Lady Bulldogs were back in action Tuesday night, hosting a tri-match against Meek and Cullman, their second in two nights, and this one was against much stiffer competition. The Lady Bulldogs swept the Meek Lady Tigers but dropped an exciting battle with the 6A Lady Bearcats. Cullman swept Meek (25-11, 25-15) as well.
Addison 3 – Meek 0 (25-10, 25-16, 25-17)
The Ladies from Addison seem to have the Lady Tigers’ number the past couple of years. Meek has a high quality 1A program under the leadership of Head Coach Callie Brewer and some wonderful players, but they can’t seem to get over the team about 10 miles north of them, the Lady Bulldogs of Addison. Addison has dominated the rivalry as of late and nothing changed tonight. In game one, Addison jumped out 7-1 behind the serves of Mattie Johnson and played excellent defense. Meek made a brief run taking three of the next four points to cut the deficit to 8-4. Brystil Moser then took the serve and went for 12 straight points and Katie Barrett and Johnson controlled the net. Addison actually took 15 out of 16 points to take a commanding 23-6 lead and went on to win the set 25-10.
The second set was better as Meek, as they always do, play much better the longer the match goes on. Addison jumped out 5-0, again with Johnson serving, but the Lady Tigers would win 6 out of 7 to tie it all up at 6. Addison behind Barrett’s next serve took control as Addison went on a strong run taking 12 straight and 14 out of 16 points. The defense was led by Lauryn Cunningham and Ava Bartlett. Little Calie Garrison got down and dirty with several crucial digs for the Lady Dawgs. The Lady Tigers didn’t quit and came storming back winning 7 out of 10 points to cut the Bulldog lead down to 24-16 and Addison was finally able to salt away the set taking the final point on a Bartlett kill to win 25-16.
The third and final set was a pretty standard affair as Addison jumped out 14-5 behind Annabeth Powell and Barrett’s serves. Cunningham and Bartlett did good net work while Moser got her dig work in. Addison was cruising. The Lady Tigers, after a timeout, came roaring back and getting 9 out of 14 points to try and get back in the match. With the score Addison 19-14, the two teams pretty much alternated scoring the rest of the way as Addison went on to win 25-17 to take the set and the game.
Cullman 2 – Addison 0 (19-25, 23-25)
The Lady Bulldogs were looking to avenge an earlier defeat to the Lady Bearcats where Cullman took 2 out of 3 from Addison. The first game started out very well for the Bulldogs as they jumped on Cullman 7-3 early on. This is when the spectators in the stands were introduced to Cullman Senior Karina Harris who played like she belonged on someone’s Olympic team. She was without a doubt the best player on the floor tonight and dominated the game. Harris blocked an Addison shot to stop a short Addison run and then on the very next play crushed a ball into the floor for another Lady Bearcat point. She was in a word, unstoppable, against the Lady Bulldogs. Addison wasn’t going to back down and actually led 15-9. Cunningham and Barrett’s strong offense and Johnson and Bartlett on defense led Addison to the lead. But it was just a matter of time before Harris and her teammates, especially setter Olivia Dover and hitter Ava Ray were too much for the ladies from Addison on this night. Cullman went on a dominant run taking 10 out of 12 points to take the lead 19-17. A Cunningham kill tied it up for the Bulldogs at 19 but then the Lady Bearcats took the final 6 points for the 25-19 win.
The second set was extremely close as it was nip and tuck the entire time. The ladies from Addison showed why they are one of, if not the favorite to take the 1A state title this year. The Lady Bearcats got off to an 8-5 lead with excellent offensive work from L.K. Granger and Harris. Addison took the lead behind the leadership of Cunningham and Barrett. Barrett had 2 blocks as the Lady Bulldogs took 6 out of 10 points for a 13-12 lead. After a timeout, Cullman was led by Harris and Dover. Dover set Harris up constantly for the kill shot and Harris would deliver. The Lady Bearcats took 7 out of 9 and led 19-15. The game would go back and forth with both teams scoring but neither team able to make a run. It was the Seniors Harris and Ray leading Cullman to victory. Addison would gamely fight but there was no answer for Harris tonight as Cullman would get the sweep 25-23.
Cullman Head Coach Amy Hudson,
“I thought we played much better tonight as we were able to terminate. We got the big shots when we needed them. We have had a problem with unforced errors this season but tonight we were able to cut those back considerably. I thought that our service game was executed very well tonight as we didn’t miss a lot of serves. Karina (Harris) was really good tonight.”
Addison Head Coach Kaydi Woodard,
“Glad to get the win versus our county rival and region foe Meek. I thought the ladies played well and were focused. The Cullman game was at a different pace. We played hard and didn’t back down from them. (Karina) Harris was dominant for them. She was the best player on the court, but I think the one that really deserves credit is their setter (Olivia Dover). She is a jump setter, and they are really hard to read where the ball is going to end up which confuses the defense. Cullman also runs a quick offense which can pose some problems as well. Still proud of the way the girls fought and both games were winnable for us.”
Official stats for Addison
Assists: Powell 46
Digs: Barrett 20, Moser 19, Cunningham and Garrison with 14 eachh
Blocks: Bartlett 6, Johnson 3 and Powell 1
Aces: Bartlett, Johnson and Moser with 3 each
Kills: Barrett 14, Johnson 12, Cunningham and Bartlett with 10 each
Addison honored Bulldogs Volleyball legend Morgan Ray at halftime. Ms. Ray is suffering from a rare form of Ovarian Cancer and was supposed to be present but unfortunately, she had to be hospitalized and could not attend. She was represented by family members. Ms. Ray is a 2012 graduate of Addison and was an instrumental part of two Addison State Championship teams. Ms. Ray represented the North team in the Alabama North/South Volleyball game and got a scholarship to West Alabama where she was a four-year starter. I personally know Morgan and her family, and I can tell you that Morgan is a better person than she was a volleyball player. If you are a believer, then pray for her and her family. The World needs more Morgan Rays out there.
Copyright 2024 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
