10-20-09
By:  Bill Cooper

Bryan Station's Lady Defenders repelled the Madison Central Indians for the third time this season, and in doing so, earned their third straight District 42 Volleyball Championship Wednesday night in a two set victory. The win started out looking like an easy breeze for the defending champions, but not surprisingly, wound up in a taut finish at the wire.

In a game reminiscent of a classic horse race, Madison Central stumbled out of the gate, while Bryan Station surged aggressively to an early 12-2 lead, and cruised to the half-way pole by a commanding 25-6 margin in game 1. Any thoughts of cashing tickets early however were decidedly premature. In an unusual move, Madison Central's coach took her team back into their locker room during the short break between games, apparently for a little "horse whispering", and the Lady Indians emerged for game two a different team. Madison Central began to find their defensive stride, digging out Bryan Station attacks and countering with strong outside hits of their own. The two teams traded points down the backstretch en route to a 15-15 tie. As they rounded the turn at the head of the stretch, Madison Central edged out to a 19-16 advantage and the Defender faithful began to get a little restless. Our athletes responded as champions should, mounting a charge of their own own and pulling back into a 23-19 lead heading for home.

The Indians still refused to give up, rallying back to within one at 24-23 and serving for the tie. The Lady Defenders however were up to this final challenge, winning the point and the set 25-23 to bring home their third consecutive District trophy.
In addition to their team achievement, senior hitter/middle blocker Nealy Williams earned MVP recognition leading five Defenders onto the All Tournament Team.  Joining Williams were her fellow hitters, juniors Alexis Cox, Sherry'ce Butler, and freshman Rachel Murphy, along with junior setter Marylynne Anderson-Cooper. A big assist and "well done" goes out as well to the families and friends who came out to support the team. Fellow student athletes from many other Bryan Station teams were out in force to provide a much needed and appreciated vocal presence.

Bryan Station and Madison Central both move on to the 11th Region tournament next week at host Franklin Co. High School. where a veritable "SEC East" of Kentucky High School volleyball awaits. The 11th region field will include Henry Clay, Dunbar and Lexington Catholic, all currently ranked in the top 12 teams in the state along with Lexington Christian, Franklin Co. and Scott Co. Congratulations Lady Defenders and Good Luck!
 

Read past volleyball news on the Volleyball page.