Tiger Cubs fall to Lebanon in sectional

Madison Trout dives to keep the ball alive as her Tiger Cub teammates prepare to set up a kill against Lebanon. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

LIZTON -- The effort was left on the floor in the Tri-West sectional Tuesday, when Greencastle's volleyball team took on Lebanon and despite the tough effort on the Tiger Cub side, Lebanon earned the win in straight sets 25-18, 25-23 and 25-15.

"In the second set we had a lot of momentum and our offense was connecting," GHS coach Maggie Walters said. "In the other sets we struggled to have our setters connect with the hitters. That's what kind of took us out of it."

The Lady Tiger Cubs were playing neck and neck with Lebanon in the first game showing lots of effort while trying to dig out the strong attacks by Lebanon. Despite the work done by Greencastle, the Tigers took control late in the game.

Allison White is one of three seniors including Kenlee Johnson and Rachel Chadd on the Tiger Cubs. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

The second match saw the best volleyball for GHS as the Tiger Cubs led for most of the match. Greencastle was on point with its serves, serve-receives and GHS took advantage of several Lebanon mistakes.

But the size of Lebanon mounted a comeback and with the game tied at 23-23, Lebanon earned the kill after a long volley between the two determined teams.

"In the last two weeks we've been playing at our peak," Walters said. "That's exactly what you want to see before sectional. Unfortunately it just didn't connect tonight like it has in the last couple of weeks."

The GHS team loses three seniors, Allison White, Rachel Chad and Kenlee Johnson. Those seniors led a team that Walters said has a winning personality.

Lydia Trout sets up her Greencastle teammates during the Tri West sectional. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

Brynne Shuee takes the tip that Madison Trout saved for the Tiger Cubs. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

"They've been running faster offenses," Walters said. "Our defense has been able to defend tougher shots from the other side. That is great to see. They have great leaders on the team. Allison White, a senior is going to be a tough one to lose. But they want to win. You really can't ask for more as a coach than have a bunch of girls with a personality of wanting to win.

"We had three seniors," Walters continued. "They just know the game really well. They're smart. They understand how it works and they know what's open on the other side of the court. Losing that will be tough but we have a lot of under classmen that can step up."

Greencastle can look forward to more Tiger Cubs joining the clan next season with established expectations of excellence according to Walters.

"I think we are going to be strong in the next couple of seasons," Walters said. "We have freshmen playing right now and a couple sophomores. That just shows that the program is going to continue growing. It's exciting and I think the expectation coming into this team is they'll have to perform and play at a high level."

IHSAA Volleyball Sectional

At Tri West

Allison White- 6 kills

Brynne Shuee- 3 kills

Lydia Trout- 16 assists

Maggie Meyer- 15 digs

Madison Trout- 7 digs

18-25

23-25

15-25