Ashland — Ashland volleyball coach Jeffrey Huff and his captains recognized all along the team had the ability to make school history.

The VolleyCats got it done last week, winning their first regional championship in a balanced field at Raceland.

Ashland (21-14) will play in the State Tournament opener Friday morning at Northern Kentucky University against defending champion Louisville Mercy.

“I knew from day one this season that it was a big task, but also thought we were as good as any team in the region,’’ Huff said. “One thing I had to do was stop telling them they were as good as anybody.’’

Huff continued to prepare and encourage his squad, and let the results speak for themselves.

After an up-and-down regular season, Ashland rebounded from a two-set loss to Rose Hill Christian in the district finals. Huff called it a turning point.

“I think it woke the girls up,’’ he said. “We had beaten Rose Hill twice in the season. I think our girls had in their mind that they were going to waltz through the district tournament.’’

The VolleyCats regrouped and defeated Raceland, Rowan County and finally Russell to end the Lady Devils’ string of five regional titles.

“We really wanted it,’’ said Ashland team captain Alex Carpenter, a middle blocker and hitter. “All season we’ve been telling each other this was our turn to go to state.’’

Carpenter, floor captain Sierra Crum and Emily Krick are the only seniors on a team loaded with sophomores.

“We all knew this was our last chance to show what we could do,’’ said Crum, the regional tournament MVP. “When it came down to the end, everybody just pushed to get to where we are now.’’

Ashland players are still feeling the excitement.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier about anything I ever achieved,’’ Carpenter said. “It blows my mind to think that this is the first Ashland team to win the region, we’re going to the State Tournament and it’s my senior year.’’

Huff pointed to serving and teamwork as keys behind Ashland’s success. Huff emphasized a high percentage of aces to errors and his players responded.

“Jordan Hensley had one match with 11 aces and no errors,’’ Huff said of the sophomore. “She has probably been our most effective server.’’

Crum’s versatility is another strength for the VolleyCats. Along with being an effective hitter and blocker, Crum joins Hensley as the team’s main setters.

“Sierra is a wonderful asset,’’ Carpenter said. “She can set, pass, block and hit. It’s just nice to have a player on the team that can do everything.’’

As for teamwork, Huff said Ashland players learned this season to communicate on the floor. He called Carpenter an excellent team leader.

“She will keep folks under control,’’ Huff said. “Alex is just a great communicator, and very organized. She understands what needs to be done and she does it.’’

Krick’s main sport is tennis, but she has emerged as a strong link in Ashland volleyball’s senior trio.

“Emily is only a second-year volleyball player, but she may be the biggest catalyst for us,’’ Huff said. “She’s a very effective hitter when given the opportunity and can be a very strong server.’’

Ashland’s serving order includes Hensley, Carpenter, sophomore Katie Castle, Crum, sophomore Emily Preece and Krick.

Three more sophomores in the team’s basic lineup are Noell Conley, Sara Crumpton and Madison Ryan.

“We have a lot of players that have a lot of skills,’’ Crum said. “I can’t wait to see the sophomores when they get to their senior year.’’

Although Ashland is a heavy underdog against powerhouse Mercy (28-6), Huff’s goal for the VolleyCats is to play well.

“We don’t measure success on the court just with wins,’’ he said. “We want to perform at a high level. The realization is that our best performance may not be good enough to beat this team, but that’s no reason to shy away.’’



ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.