Heritage Christian Academy’s magical run through the high school volleyball playoffs came to an abrupt end Monday night at the hands of No. 13-ranked Bowling Green in the first round of the KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament.
Led by their 6-foot-4 middle blocker, Amirra Bailey, the Lady Purples swept past the Lady Warriors 3-0 (25-10, 25-11, 25-10) in front of a sold out crowd at HCA.
Bailey, who entered the match with 560 kills on the season, by far was the most intimidating and talented player the Lady Warriors have faced all season. And it didn’t take long for the Lady Purples to turn to their star. A pair of kills blew open a close 7-5 first set and triggered an 18-5 run for Bowling Green.
The Lady Purples jumped out to an 18-4 lead in the second set.
The only lead that HCA enjoyed was a 1-0 advantage to start the third set. But Bowling Green quickly took a 10-3 lead and never looked back.
Although her team struggled against the bigger Lady Purples’ front line, HCA coach Grace Stewart said she was proud of how her team battled.
Eldridge Rogers’ memory was in the building Monday night. The former HCA coach who passed away in 2021, started the program and coached Stewart. The school named their volleyball court in his honor.
Stewart said she thinks Coach Rogers would have been proud of the Lady Warriors’ run to their first KHSAA state tournament.
HCA ends their season at 24-6 with their first District 8 and Region 2 championships. Stewart said the foundation for the program is strong for another run next season.
Mya Goodwin completed her career with four kills and seven digs. Bralee Fowler had three kills and an ace, and Katie Cansler had a pair of kills and three digs for HCA. Makenzie McCarty had five assists and four digs.
Bowling Green improves to 34-6 and will play No. 8-ranked Mercy Academy on Friday in the quarterfinals. Mercy defeated No. 12 North Oldham 3-1 Monday night.
In another match on Monday, Region 1 winner and No. 10-ranked McCracken County defeated Owensboro 3-0 to advance to play No. 2-ranked Assumption in the quarterfinals.
Photos by Joe Wilson