Eagles advance to finals
Published 7:49 pm Wednesday, November 1, 2017
The Goshen Lady Eagles volleyball team advanced to the Class 2A state championship game on Wednesday afternoon after defeating Hatton and Winston County.
The Eagles will take on St. Luke’s in the championship match beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the CrossPlex in Birmingham.
“I am thrilled,” said head coach Amy Warrick. “I told the girls this is what we dreamed of. I knew this team was special. It was possible for them. It was not just a dream.”
The Eagles began the day by defeating Hatton in straight sets 25-23, 25-17 and 25-15.
Kelsey Gibson had one ace, two points scored, 16 kills, five blocks and seven digs. Jada Hall had one ace, six points scored, seven kills, two blocks and 10 digs. Kate Warrick finished with one ace, nine points scored, one kill, 27 assists and 12 digs. Hannah Calhoun had one ace, 10 points scored, one kill, two assists and 22 digs, while Anastasia Mallard finished with five kills and two blocks.
If the Eagles advance passed the Final Four they will take part in the Class 2A State Championship match on Thursday at the CrossPlex.
In the final four, the Eagles dropped the first set 18-25, but battled back to win the next three 25-22, 25-20 and 25-19.
“They got a little nervous in that first game,” Warrick said. “We had to take a few timeouts to get our nerves under control. After that our leaders took over and we got it done.
Kelsey Gibson finished the match with one ace, two points scored, 26 kills, seven blocks and 10 digs. Jada Hall had two aces, 13 points scored, 16 kills, three blocks and 10 digs. Kate Warrick finished with one ace, six points scored, three kills, 49 assists, one block and 16 digs. Hannah Calhoun wrapped up the night with two aces, 10 points scored, one kill, two assists and 31 digs, while Molly Wares had three aces, six points scored and 17 digs.
The Eagles and St. Luke’s met in the regional tournament last week. It was the Wildcats who came out on top 25-17, 25-18 and 25-14.
“We feel like we can give St. Luke’s a good match,” Warrick said. “St. Luke’s is a great team. They have a great coach. I have nothing but respect for them. If we are going to play with them we are going to have to give them our very best game.