VOLLEYBALL BEARCATS FALL IN STATE TOURNAMENT

The Bearcat volleyball team’s season came to an end Tuesday afternoon in Rose Bud with a straight set (25-15, 25-11, 25-21) loss to Atkins in the Class 3A state tournament opener.

The loss ends a year in which the Bearcats were third in the regular season but went into the state tournament as a four seed after dropping a five-set match to district tournament host Charleston on October 20.

Still, the Bearcats won 11 matches, which was one more than the 2021 team, which was the first under head coach Bailey Stringer, won.

Tuesday’s first set started well with Ellie Smith dropping in an ace and, although Atkins pulled out to a 9-3 lead the Bearcats rallied behind a kill from Laney Parrish, a return from Smith that was bounced between Red Devils and an ace from Karmen Kent (shown during the district tournament) to make it 9-6.

Kills by Emma Mikles, Smith, and Shelbie Myers got the Lady Bearcats within one and another kill by Mikles and a point by Smith tied it at 11.

The score would be tied again a 12, 13, and 14 before Atkins scored consecutive points to make it 16-14.

A serve into the net cut it back to one but Atkins scored the next nine points to take the first set 25-15.

The Red Devils started the second set in similar fashion and led 10-1 before committing a two hit violation.

A couple of Kent kills cut it to 12-6 but the damage was done and Atkins would eventually lead by double digits and was in front comfortably the rest of the set.

The Bearcats put up a fight in the final set but fell 25-21.

The loss ends the careers of 13 seniors.