Two power house volleyball teams square off tonight for the third time this season in the 14th District finals.
The Greenwood Lady Gators (28-7) vs. South Warren Lady Spartans 29-7 meet for the third time this season, but also for the third time in 3 years for the 14th district championship.
Both teams are loaded with great talent and with both programs advancing to the 4th Region Tournament next week, Greenwood’s head coach Jason Reels and South Warren’s Head Coach Justin Griffin would like nothing more than meet again in the 4th Region title match.
For now both coaches are looking at winning a 14th district crown and what their team will need to do in order to accomplish that.
“We expect a highly competitive match from start to finish. Whoever can control the ball in passing and defense will have a great chance to win the game. It will be the team that makes the most plays will win and we hope our experience in understanding how consistent we have to play will provide an edge” said Coach Justin Reels.
Having lost twice to the Lady Spartans during the regular season 3-1 and 3-2, Coach Reels is looking for his Lady Gators to be successful with these keys of the game.
Coach Reels “The first touch of the ball meaning our serve and serve receive. If we can get into system offensively, we are difficult to defend. Defensively, we must stay focused and realize the importance of each and every point. District championships are often won by the teams that continue to fight for every score”
Both teams are talented, starting with the Greenwood Lady Gators senior Captain Leah Martens. Martens, makes her presence known all over the court and is considered one of the best players in the 4th region. Martins is having an amazing season with 287 Kills, 45 blocks 280 digs and 67 aces.
Teammate and senior co-captain Zoe Whitson is part of the Lady Gators senior leadership on the floor with impressive number of her own, 129 Kills, 26 aces, 76 blocks on the season.
Junior outside hitter Alexa Davis stands tall at 6’1 who leads the Lady Gators in kills with 297, has 148 digs, 44 blocks and 28 aces for the Lady Gators.
Another up and coming Lady Gator is sophomore outside hitter Emmie Bender. Emmie has 216 Kills, 42 blocks and 55 digs on the season.
For the Lady Spartans, senior setter Lydia Jackson 926 assists, 249 digs, 15 blocks, 50 aces. Senior outside hitter Kirby Clark has a crazy 356 kills .275 hitting %, 43 aces, 30 blocks. Junior outside hitter Hannah Yonts with 257 kills 17 aces, 27 blocks and senior defensive specialist Madison Pardue 54 aces, 525 digs, and is averaging 5.1 digs per game.
Tonight’s 14th District Volleyball match will be a thriller.
Next up is the 4th Region Volleyball Tournament with teams like Monroe County (30-6) and Logan County (27-9) will be looking to add a 4th Region hardware to their trophy case.
