PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge

By Cort Reynolds

McGUFFEY__The visiting Ada High School volleyball team opened up its season with a hard-fought sweep of local arch-rival Upper Scioto Valley on Wednesday, August 19 at Alumni Fieldhouse.

The win commemorated the debut of Kylie Murphy as Ada head coach after she previously served for several years as a Bulldog assistant.

“It was a good win,” said Murphy. “We played a little slower than we would have liked, but our hitters did a good job taking care of the ball. We are still working to find our rhythm and consistency.

“I am looking forward to seeing this group continue to improve and build confidence as the season continues,” she added.

The Bulldogs girls triumphed 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 to start out 1-0.

USV fell to 0-1 after the tough loss.

The Ram girls led 14-11 in the first set, but the Bulldogs rallied to close on a 14-4 run and win the opening game.

Ada was led by senior Dailah Preston with 12 kills, and she added five blocks.

Senior Brooklynn Andreasen contributed 10 kills, one block and two aces.

Versatile sophomore Tea Griffith knocked down seven kills, served up two aces, dished out a dozen assists and came up with nine digs.

Senior Alivia Gibson compiled three kills, 12 digs and one ace. Freshman Jaycee Allen added two kills and three digs.

Senior Jaylin St. Laurent doled out 16 assists, dealt one ace and hustled up four digs. Sophomore Lucy Carter came up with 16 digs, while senior Taylor Price mustered four digs.

Senior Harlyn Lowry added one dig.

For the Rams, Audrey Lawrence dished out 11 assists and mustered seven digs. Ruby Risner hit four kills, made five digs and served two aces.

USV’s Raegan Castle knocked down three kills and came up with a pair of digs.

Bentley Lopez contributed two kills and one block. A’Raya Boyd fired two aces. Jaylyn Curtis drilled two kills and made a dig. Kamyn Titus made three digs and smacked one kill. Layla Hunsicker hustled up four digs.

Ada is back in action on Tuesday, August 25 in their home opener vs. Hardin County rival Kenton (0-1).

USV plays at Lima Central Catholic (1-0) on Aug. 24.