RACELAND —
When Kentucky high schools went to the best-of-five format this season, Rowan County veteran volleyball coach Steve Walters implemented a new practice regimen.
At first, the Lady Vikings resisted the 30-45 minute conditioning session to start each practice. But with each passing victory, they’re seeing the benefits reaped from the extra effort.
Rowan County dominated Raceland, 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-14), to move its 16th Region record to 12-1. The Lady Vikings are 21-4 overall.
“We made the commitment early to do a lot of conditioning,” Walters said. “We don’t even touch the ball in that first part of practice. I think that’s really helped us.”
Rowan County’s lone in-region defeat came against Greenup County last weekend in the Citizens Bank Throwdown at Bath County.
Prior to that loss, only one 16th Region team had even come within one game of the Lady Vikings — that was Russell on Aug. 9.
“We’ve been fortunate. We have a good blend of talent, but we’ve been catching some good teams at down moments,” Walter downplayed his team’s achievements.
Raceland trailed most of the night, but the Lady Rams were sparked by junior MaKenzi Speaks in the second game. They weren’t able to overcome a big deficit, but Speaks helped her team trim a 12-1 margin to 14-11.
“Speaks gave us a nice lift tonight,” said Raceland coach Jason Clark of the second-year player. “She was strictly JV last year, but she’s come on really strong.”
Raceland senior standout Bre Grubb missed a small portion of the first game because of the school’s homecoming parade, so Speaks got the start.
Rowan County surged behind 5-foot-11 senior Jessica Mullins. A couple of striking spikes sent her team soaring to a 25-15 win in the second game.
Raceland (21-8) shot out to a 6-2 advantage in the final game, but solid serving by senior Shelby Adams helped Rowan County reel off 10 straight points.
“Our two jump servers (Adams, Taylor Conn) may have had them a little rattled,” Walters said. “Both had long runs.”
Abby Brogan, Brooke Lege and Speaks each came up with nice hits to keep Raceland in the match. The Lady Rams cut Rowan County’s lead to 16-13.
Faith Conn led the charge in the final moments for the Lady Vikings, who went on a 9-1 tear to take the match.
“We knew Rowan County was athletic and quick,” Clark said. “In order to compete at a high level with them, we needed to get up and take swings. I don’t think we got enough swings tonight.
“We’ve got to be crisp passers,” added Raceland’s coach. “As a coaching staff, we need to focus more on that. We’re going to have a passing boot camp next week.”
Rowan County will compete in the Ashland Invitational Tournament on Saturday. Raceland is preparing for road matchups at Morgan County and Russell, a key 63rd District clash, early next week.
AARON SNYDER can be reached at
asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
Local Sports
Rowan routs Raceland, 3-0
- Local Sports
-
-
63rd District: Russell double shifts it
During last year’s 63rd District championship game, Russell and Greenup County went eight innings. On Wednesday night the two teams decided more was necessary.
-
63rd District: McCall stands tall for Greenup
Two times Tuesday night did Greenup County coach Greg Logan think about taking Will McCall out of the game, and two times did McCall convince his coach there was no need for a change.
-
64th District softball: Cat-like reflex
All of Ashland’s postseason softball championships are special to Dave Miller during his highly successful run as head coach.
-
With one swing of the Bath
Bath County junior Austin Robinson went from Wednesday's designated hitter to designated winner with one swing.
-
62nd District Softball: East playing second fiddle no longer
East Carter’s Morgan Jacobs fired a pitch across the plate for strike three in the bottom of the seventh inning and jumped into the arms of first baseman Montana Fouts.
-
Salow Show: Ashland ace halts Boyd’s district streak
What’s the encore for a perfect game?
-
62nd District baseball: Staton strives after storm
East Carter’s Conner Staton hasn’t lost a 62nd District in his high school career. As a senior, he wasn’t going to let that change.
-
63rd District baseball: Greenup County outduels Lewis, 7-3
Lightning delayed the 63rd District Tournament championship game several times following the first inning on Tuesday, creating a late night for Greenup County and Lewis County.
-
Boyd’s Fraley commits to Herd
Boyd County sophomore basketball player Logan Fraley has announced her commitment to Marshall University.
The 5-foot-11 shooting guard informed Marshall women’s coach Matt Daniel of her decision on Monday morning, which was confirmed by Boyd County coach/father Pete Fraley via text message. -
63rd softball: Greenup leans on bunting, baserunning; Russell wins
Immersed in another district contest with little breathing room, Greenup County softball coach Eric Keeton resorted to the strengths of his lineup: bunting and baserunning.
Two bunts and a swinging bunt helped the Lady Musketeers scratch across three runs in the fifth inning of a 6-2 victory over Raceland in the 63rd District Tournament opening round on Monday night at Russell High School. Top-seeded Russell defeated Lewis County, also 6-2, earlier in the evening. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
