By CHRIS SIERS ~ sports@t-g.com
Cascade had just about as good of a send off for its two seniors as they could have hoped for.
The Lady Champions knocked off Giles County, 3-0, and sent seniors Lauryn Matthews and Caroline McKamey out on a high note.
With the Lady Champion volleyball program still in its infancy, coach Kendall Hampton said the two seniors’ impact has been monumental in establishing the program.
“I can’t ask any more out of those two. They’re great leaders off the court. They have great attitudes and push really hard. They give everything they have and that’s a great example for everybody underneath them,” she said.
Cascade flexed its muscles, jumping out to a 25-14 first set victory and followed with a dominant 25-9 second set victory.
The third set proved more of an initial challenge and while the Lady Champs got Giles County’s best effort in the third set, Cascade eventually pulled away for the seven-point win over the Lady Bobcats, highlighted by McKamey recording the final Cascade point on Senior Night.
McKamey has been the backbone of the Cascade offense and has provided Cascade a spark throughout the season.
She recorded nine kills, nine digs and an assist in the win over Giles County.
“Caroline was definitely a blessing to have her already here when we started. She came with a little experience and I think there’s no doubt when anyone sees her play, they see that come out of her on the court,” Hampton said.
Matthews, while relatively new to the sport, also made her mark on the Cascade program as well.
“Lauryn was a great addition. This was her second year playing. She went from last year, just learning the game, to this year being a big part of our varsity squad holding her own in her position,” Hampton said.
Cascade will host the upcoming district tournament, which begins on Monday.
Cascade 3, Giles Co. 0
Set scores: 25-14, 25-9, 25-18
Caroline McKamey 9 kills, 1 assist, 9 digs
Abrielle Presley 6 kills, 3 blocks
Hayden Jones 2 aces, 3 kills, 12 assists
Ivy Womack 2 aces, 1 kill, 2 blocks
Maribel De la Rosa 7 kills
Addison Pope 4 digs
Ashley Cope 1 kill, 3 assists, 4 digs
Sarah Hope Maddox 6 aces, 2 digs
Lauryn Matthews 1 kill, 1 block