Raider volleyball serving up wins

by James Weber, Enquirer Contributor

UNION — After a productive end to the regular season, the Ryle High School volleyball team was hoping for some productive rest as the Raiders had a week off from competition.

Ryle enters the 33rd District Tournament with a 24-7 record. Ryle is set to play a semifinal match Tuesday, Oct. 9, and with a win would advance to the district final Oct. 10 and the Ninth Region Tournament the week of Oct. 15.

“We have had a really good season,” said head coach Tasha Lovins. “In some of our losses we played real well and there are a couple we would like to have back. We’ve had some tough matches and we’re looking to get some rest and recuperation.”

Ryle got a late-season boost by winning the Jefferson County Invitational in Louisville for the first time, then the Raiders ended the regular season by beating Newport Central Catholic. In between, the Raiders had a 3-1 loss to Notre Dame.

The Raider roadblock continues to be state powers Notre Dame and St. Henry, the perennial favorites to win the Ninth Region. Ryle has lost to both teams this year, 3-1, taking set two from both teams in the process. Against Notre Dame Oct. 2, Ryle lost set four in extra points, 28-26, to end the match. Otherwise, Ryle is unbeaten against Northern Kentucky competition and has three other losses to instate schools.

“We played well against Notre Dame and St. Henry and we learned a lot,” Lovins said. “We play well offensively and it’s dispersed throughout the team. Not one person led by a lot in kills. When we play our best, we have ball control and we’re able to spread the ball to all our hitters.”

Seniors have led the way in Paige Doellman, Ashlee Howe, Kaylee Keohane and Heather Torline. Sophomore Ashley Bush has been racking up both kills and assists lately, playing setter or hitter depending on where she is aligned in the rotation. Junior Alexa Nichols had a strong week at the net to end the regular season. Juniors Harper Hempel and Alexis DeLaGarza are experienced starters.

The Raiders will have plenty of practice to shore up things before the postseason starts.

“We have to play to win,” Lovins said. “Sometimes we get complacent and we have to serve aggressively and be able to pass well next week.”

Raider volleyball serving up wins