Head Caldwell County Volleyball Coach Daniel Cortner enters his third season in charge, after posting a 28-10 record in 2016. The Lady Tigers compiled an outstanding 14-2 record against 2nd Region teams and were a perfect 5-0 in the district. Caldwell won its 10th straight 7th District championship with a 3-0 win over Madisonville North Hopkins, dropping only one set against district teams on the season. The Lady Tigers breezed into the 2nd Region championship match, where they met a team they’ve no doubt grown tired of seeing. For the fourth time in five seasons, the Henderson County Lady Colonels ended Caldwell’s season in the regional tournament, winning 3-0. Henderson had also beaten the Lady Tigers 3-1 in early October, accounting for both of Caldwell’s regional losses in 2016. Caldwell last won the 2nd Region in 2011, the last of four straight region championships for the program. The Lady Tigers did claim the 2nd Region All “A” championship with a 2-0 win over UHA, and made a strong run in the All “A” State Tournament, winning three matches before falling 0-2 to the 9th Region’s St. Henry Crusaders.
As Coach Cortner readies his team for another run at an All “A” State title and an elusive regional championship, he must first address the loss of six players from last season. DS/OH Camryn Clift, DS Laurie Cortner, MB Bailey Oliver, DS Karly Prowell, MB/DS Lexy Tays and S Katie VanHooser all graduated, leaving some holes for younger players to fill. The Lady Tigers open the season August 15th at Christian County, after beating the Lady Colonels 2-0 at the Smackdown in 2017. Caldwell will begin defense of its All “A” 2nd Region championship on August 22nd against a team yet to be determined. On August 26th, the Lady Tigers will travel to Louisville to play Holy Cross and Presentation, and go back on the road September 8-9 when they head to Central Hardin High School to compete in the Queen of the Court tournament. Like in 2016, Caldwell will wrap up the regular season at the Smackdown in Hopkinsville, October 13-14, after going 3-2 there last season.
