The FCHS Lady Redbird Volleyball team got its season off to fast start Saturday, finishing pool play 3-0 before falling to eventual champion, Nashville, and Du Quoin.
Head Coach Tim Murphy's squad began the day with consecutive wins over Harrisburg, Herrin and Sparta, winning the "Bronze" Pool of the tournament. However, the Lady Redbirds were narrowly clipped, 25-18 and 25-23, by a tough Nashville team that won the "Gold" Pool. Murphy said the combination of Nashville's size and power, coupled with a few Redbird health issues, was the difference in the hard-fought match.
"We passed for an incredible 90 percent against Nashville," said Murphy.
"We played well in both games, but we just couldn't handle them at the net. It was a tough game without starting setter Kia Karnes, who was sick, and Christie Bromley, who was injured during an earlier match.
The Lady 'Birds' also fell in straight sets to Du Quoin, 25-16 and, 25-22.
"We are a tough team that plays with a lot of confidence, we just need to block better," said Murphy.
Following the tournament, the Lady Redbirds' record is 3-2. They will travel to Du Quoin Tuesday, then will host their opener at Max Morris Gym Thursday against Mt. Vernon.
Serving: Kylie McDaniel, 36-40 for 19 points. Katie Smith, 34-35 for 19 points. Jasmine Chromchak, 20-24. As a team, FCHS served 88 percent on the day.
Setting: McDaniel-35 assists; Smith-22assists.
Hitting: Chromchak-19 kills; Rebecca Cunningham-17 kills, Kaitlyn Glodich-15 kills, Nicole Fry-12 kills, Judith George-9 kills, Aarika Twist-6 kills
