Ryle sweeps Cooper for volleyball title

Congratulations to the Lady Raider volleyball team on another district championship!  The regional tournament will be held next week at Ryle.

Repeat earns ninth regional in 10 seasons

by Marc Hardin, Enquirer contributor   Ryle sweeps Cooper for volleyball title

Ryle successfully defended its 33rd Distrtict championship by beating Cooper in the tournament final Wednesday at Boone County but both volleyball teams had a lot to be happy about as they accepted trophies.

The Raiders defeated the Jaguars, 25-15, 25-15. Both squads earned berths in next week's Ninth Region tournament at Ryle.

"You always want to go into the regional tournament with a win," said coach Tasha Lovins, who has guided the Raiders to the regional nine times in her 10 years as coach. "But I don't know if it helps or not that we're hosting the regional. We've hosted before and not won."

Sophomore Harper Hempel led the Raiders with 11 kills and 16 assists and was named all-tournament along with junior teammate Heather Torline. Freshman Ashley Bush added seven kills and was named most valuable player. Senior Alena Harthun had 13 digs.

"Winning MVP is very unexpected," said Bush. "I'm happy that we played well."