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Lady Tiger volleyball season ends in district semis
The third-seeded Nevada Lady Tigers were unable to mount a successful defense of their Class 3 District 12 volleyball crown, falling to second-seeded Mt. Vernon in the semifinals Wednesday in Mt. Vernon.
Mt. Vernon took the first set 25-20, and the second set 25-21. For Nevada, junior setter Hailey Jackson, finished with a team-high 27 assists. Lady Tigers middle blocker, Sydney Ernsbarger added 14 kills and three blocks, while Stacy Pennington chipped in 15 digs.
“This was a hard-fought battle,” said Lady Tiger head coach, Ashley Thoreson. “We had a lead late in the second set, so this was a hard loss to accept and, hopefully something this group will remember and learn from going into next season.”
After advancing to the title match, Mt. Vernon was then toppled in two sets by the top-seeded Aurora Lady Houns, who improved to 28-3-2.
Thoreson discussed the now concluded season. “This season was one that was hard to predict how it would go,” said Thoreson, who just completed her seventh season as Nevada’s head coach.
“We were young and only had one court-returner from our district championship team last year. We made many changes throughout the season with our lineups, offense and defense all changing at times. Some players were put into positions they had never played and, others asked to play roles they hadn’t anticipated having.”
The Lady Tigers opened the season winning eight of their first nine contests, before going into a mini-tailspin, as they finished the season 16-15-1. Despite the roller-coaster nature of the 2017 season, Thoreson said she was pleased with the overall progress her club made.
“This team has grown tremendously from the beginning of season to the end, both mentally and in their (overall) abilities,” she said.
Thoreson said she anticipates the vast majority of her team returning for the 2018 campaign.
“It’s exciting to have all but one starter back next year,” said Thoreson, referring to Alaina Morgan as the Lady Tigers lone departing varsity starter. “We will be able to start right where we left off. And with most of them continuing to stay active in the off-season — next year is already very exciting to think about.”
Thoreson said she was also impressed with the play of the Lady Tigers junior varsity and freshman teams.
“I am very happy and proud of the season all three of our teams had,” noted Thoreson,
“We challenged and pushed each of our individual players; and, although some may have struggled at times to handle the pressure and expectations that come with playing at a higher level, I do think they all have the same love and drive for the game that helped them get through some of the more challenging times.”
Added Thoreson: “We learned how important our teammates are and, that above all else, this is a sport that requires teamwork and communication.”
All-district accolades
Nevada junior Adrian Bond, a powerful outside hitter, garnered second team all-district accolades. Bond had an impressive season for the Lady Tigers, leading the team in kills by a wide margin, as she was Nevada’s lone returning varsity rotation player from 2016.
“With Adrian being our sole court-returner from last season, I expected and leaned on her for big things this year, and she came through for us,” said Thoreson. “She was a force on the front row and really stepped her defense up in the back row.”
In addition to her team-leading 237 kills, Bond also notched the highest hit percentage, and finished second in digs, with 208.
“She played a lead-by- example type of leadership role, and believes that she can be an even bigger player and leader for us coming into next year,” said Thoreson.
Projected 2018 NHS varsity rotation players, are: Adrian Bond, Sydney Ernsbarger, Stacy Pennington, Hailey Jackson, Laiken Cussimanio, Lani Coonrod Lindley Ferry and Madison Shipley.