East Hardy Volleyball recognized its seniors with a sweep over the Class AA Frankfort Falcons: 25-23, 25-14 and 25-13.
The Cougars were led by seniors: Xavia Barber, Jaylynn Combs, Madilyn Funk, Madison Kerr, Savannah Pullen and Danica Wolfe.
Frankfort took the initial lead, then the Cougars answered with seven consecutive points for a 7-1 lead in the first set.
Kerr slammed four kills, Wolfe notched two spikes and Funk served an ace.
Pullen garnered a couple digs and Barber kept the sets going.
East Hardy got a service ace from Georgia Hahn, while Funk and Kerr continued attacks at the net for a 14-6 lead.
Frankfort rallied to take a 21-20 edge, but the Cougars refused to let the wounds fester.
East Hardy’s Amelia Garrett recorded a block and two key spikes to regain the lead 23-21.
Wolfe served an ace, the Falcons scored on a kill and ace.
Garrett landed a spike in the back corner for the win, 25-23.
The Cougars kept the momentum going with some key adjustments to ground the Falcons in the next two sets as Kerr, Garrett and Funk created a huge impact at the net.
Plans after high school for the East Hardy Volleyball seniors are:
Kerr – Study cybersecurity in college and continue playing volleyball or running track at the collegiate level.
Funk – Study nursing in college.
Wolfe – Attend West Virginia University to become a speech language pathologist.
Barber – Attend college to become a financial expert in pursuit of being a trillionaire.
Combs – Attend college and become financially wealthy.
Pullen – Attend college to study biology and attend dental school.
“These seniors mean everything to the program. They have had quite a run. They have made it to Charleston all three years and made some noise there. We are hoping to give them one more chance. To see Xavia turn into the setter she is has been amazing. Watching Madison become the hitter she is has been great. Having Savannah come in telling us she would be the libero and everything she has done for us. Seeing how much Danica grow in confidence is great. Madilyn is a good all-around player and getting her healthy at the right time is what we need. She could have been another 1,000 kill player for us. Jaylynn has been great for the team in all areas, like the glue we need. Getting all the seniors out there to play together and get the win was really special,” East Hardy Volleyball assistant coach Chris Hahn commented.
