Hopkinsville High School’s volleyball team posted a 16-18 record in 2016, including a 6-8 mark against regional competition and 2-6 in the 8th District. Head Coach Brad Boyd enters 2017 looking to put an end to a three year run of losing records, going back to 2013’s 18-18 campaign. The Lady Tigers lost 2-3 to cross-town rival Christian County in the first round of the 8th District tournament, their fifth straight first round exit going back to a 2011 district championship loss to the Lady Colonels.
Coach Boyd returns five starters, only losing Ania Lander (middle) and Arlanda Tyler (outside) from his 2016 team. He will also welcome back senior hitter Chella Bell, who suffered a season ending injury last season. Other returning hitters include All 8th District junior Karalyn Beymer, sophomore Hope Pace, and senior Zee Stallworth. Junior All 8th District setter Sarah Cavanah will be asked to lead what Coach Boyd expects to be a fast-paced offense. Returning defensive specialists include All 8th District senior London Foster, junior Kelsey Mata, sophomore Savannah Peck, Chandler Adams and Lauren Watkins. Junior Marley Hancock, Alyssa Bearns, Avery Turner and Haley Hallmark are identified by Boyd as up and coming players that will be counted on to contribute this season. It’s clear Coach Boyd is excited about his team and expects, “to be a major competitor for the district title and the region as well.”
August 4-6 the Lady Tigers will compete in the Bluegrass Games in Lexington, followed by a scrimmage at Logan County, August 10th. Hopkinsville opens the season August 22nd on post against Fort Campbell, after beating the Lady Falcons twice last season. The Lady Tigers travel back to Lexington August 25-26 for the Bluegrass Invitational and will be in Louisville for the JCIVT at the end of September. They will also take part in the Jerry Mezur Spikefest in Henderson on October 6-7, and will once again host the Smackdown in conjunction with Christian County, October 13-14, where the Lady Tigers posted a 4-2 record last season.
