The Lady Knights played in a volleyball tournament marathon at Cass-Midway on Saturday, finishing second for this first time in recent history.

 

They started out pool play splitting with host Cass-Midway 17-25, 25-22. The team played well despite a sleepy start. Hammoor put down five kills right off the bat. The Knights then played Adrian, taking both games 25-14, 25-20, Blatt nailing three aces, and Foster pounding six blocks. The last team the Knights played in pool was Jasper, and the Knights took over once more, dominating 25-19, 25-14. Grabber aided the success with 12 assists, and Reddy powered home six kills.

 

In tournament play, the Knights met Lakeland, the number four seed from the other pool, and squeezed by to win in three, 23-25, 28-26, 25-22. Keys to success in that match was the outstanding defense of Blatt with 11 digs. Setter, Switz also made her presence known with three kills and 10 assists. Reddy posted her kill count in this match at a smashing 10.

 

Unfortunately, Aja James sustained a thumb injury during the Lakeland match, so the Knights  patiently awaited her return. At the end of the Lakeland match, Grabber, who had played very consistently throughout, had to depart the team for an evening obligation. The team had to quickly figure out a different line up.

 

 However, the Knights did not skip a beat, they battled Cass-Midway again in the semifinal, and came out on top. The Knights won the first game 25-23, lost the second 21-25, and inched by in the third 26-24, knocking the home team out of their own tournament. Highlights of that game include eleven kills by Reddy from the outside, seven kills by Hammoor and 25 assists from Switz. Foster put down six blocks and Blatt made ten digs.

 

This hardworking group of warriors then went to the Championship against Jasper and fell 10-25, 12-25. After playing 12 games already, the group was out of juice against a pumped Jasper team. Swing players Logan Walsh, Kelsey Abele and Molly O’Connor were able to see some championship game time, and the whole group managed as best  they could with tired legs and sore voices. This tournament was an outstanding experience for the group, a true test of fitness and heart. The Knights fought hard and were proud to take home second place medals. Danielle Blatt and Ravali Reddy were named to the All-tournament team.

 

 Catch more Knight action later this week; they play Lees Summitt Community Christian on Tuesday and St. Mary’s on Thursday, both top-ranked teams in the conference.