ADDISON, Ala. — If you liked competitive volleyball, then Addison’s Allen Stephenson Gym was the place to be today as the Addison Lady Bulldogs hosted their rival and perennial 2A power Hatton Lady Hornets. There was a playoff like atmosphere in the gym as the Lady Dawgs swept the Lady Hornets, 27-25, 25-23 and 25-20.
The first set had the Lady Hornets jumping out to a quick 6-3 lead. Addison responded going on a solid run outscoring Hatton 13-2 behind the solid serves of Bailee Ory, Hadley “Shooter” Butler and Lydia “Barbie” Ergle. Hatton, showing their toughness, then ran off 11 of the next 15 points to cut the Addison lead to 20-19. The set continued as the Lady Hornets would score and then Addison would respond with points of their own. The defense was solid, and the shots were rockets. After several long volleys between the two teams the score was tied at 25 apiece. The Lady Dawgs dug down deep and scored the final two points of the frame to take the first set, 27-25.
The second set was just as good as the first. Hatton jumped out to a 6-2 lead and the Dawg faithful were a little worried. Addison took 5 of the next 6 points to tie the game at 7. Abby Waldrep and “Dynamite” Dacey Baker were beasts on the front-line while Ory and Gracie “Bug” Manley had numerous digs. The set would become a back-and-forth affair as neither team could pull away from the other. The Hatton Lady Hornets are a quality team that no doubt will make a run in the 2A bracket come state title time and it was easy to see why on the court today. Crisp passing and excellent defense kept the Hornets on the Bulldogs heels all day. Addison led 24-22 and was looking for one more point for the win. Lady Hornets Kailyn Quails and Kailee Morgan played especially well during this set as they kept the Lady Hornets in the game. Addison’s Waldrep drilled a ball which should have ended the game, but Hatton’s Quails saved the ball and Morgan slammed the ball over the net for the game saving point. With the score standing at 24-23, Addison’s Katie Barrett directed the ball into an empty section of the court for the winning shot, giving Addison a 25-23 lead. Not a bad way for Barrett to celebrate her 16th birthday.
The third set was a back-and-forth affair. The Lady Bulldogs started out the game on fire as they jumped to a 15-5 lead. Addison’s Ory and Butler were on point with their serves and the defense was exceptional with Lauryn “Beemer” Cunningham, Waldrep and Barrett manning the front line. The Lady Hornets responded once again, refusing to die as they were led by Quails, Morgan and Mallie Yarbrough. Hatton went on another big 11-2 run to cut the lead to 17-16. After an Addison timeout, the Lady Dawgs picked up their game and took 5 out of the next 6 points being led by “Magic” Molly Gilbreath’s serve. Addison led 22-17 and the game ended as each team took turns alternating scoring points until Addison won 25-20.
It was a hard-fought victory for the Lady Dawgs and Addison Head Coach Kaydi Woodard was glad to come away with the victory.
“Hatton is an excellent team and a rival for us,” Woodard said. “I was glad we could come away with the win and the ladies really focused and played hard for the majority of the game. Happy to we were able to come away with the sweep.”
Unofficial stats for Addison:
Digs: Ory with 12, Manley with 10 and Gilbreath and Ergle with 8. Assists: Manley with 20 and Butler with 15. Kills: Waldrep with 13, Baker with 11 and Barrett with 10. Blocks: Manley with 2, Baker and Barrett with 1 apiece.
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