The East Ridge Lady Warriors are off to a tremendous start this season. They are 17-5 on the season and currently sits in 3rd place in the Region according to the latest RPI rankings. The Warriors are being led by their Senior Hanna Blackburn. Hanna leads the team in kills with 147 on the season. She also leads the team in blocks with 26.
Over the weekend, the Lady Warriors traveled to Whitley County for the First Priority Lady Colonel Classic. The Lady Warriors went 4-1 on the weekend with the only loss coming to 12th Region powerhouse, Wayne County, 1 set to 2. In the loss, Blackburn had 14 kills and Sylivia Blackburn added 5 kills. Sarah Woods did a great job with 24 assists while Courtlin Phillips had a team high 18 digs. The scores per set were 25-8, 27-29, 15-8.
The Lady Warriors defeated the Lady Maroons from Pulaski County in two sets, 25-17, 25-23. Kiersten Coleman led the team in kills with 7 while Hanna Blackburn added 6. Again Sarah Woods lead the team in assists with 18. Several players contributed 5 or more digs including Courtlin Phillips (7), Kiersten Coleman (6) and Gabriella Damron (5).
The Lady Warriors also faced 14th region foe, the Leslie County Lady Eagles. The Lady Warriors again made quick work of the Lady Eagles 2 sets to 0 (25-23, 25-16). Another balanced attack led the Lady Warriors in kills, Sylvia Ratliff led the team with 9 kills while Hanna Blackburn added 6. Woods again dished out 19 assists to help push her team to the win.
Next up for the Lady Warriors was the North Laurel Jaguars from the 13th Region. The Lady Warriors easily defeated the the Lady Jaguars 2 sets to 0 (25-17, 25-10). The Lady Warriors were again led by Hanna Blackburn with another 8 kills, while Kiersten Coleman added 6. Sarah Woods continued to set the hitters up as she had 15 of the teams 18 assists.
Results from the 5th and final game of the day, the Lady Warriors faced off against the Anderson County Lady Bearcats. The Lady Warriors won this in a close one 2 sets to 1 (23-25, 25-18, 15-12). Hannah Blackburn had another dominate performance. She had 11 kills and 20 blocks. Sarah Wood again had 22 of her teams 27 assists.
The dominating performance in tournaments like this helps to prepare the Lady Warriors for a deep run in both the 59th District and 15th Region Tournament. The Lady Warriors currently sit 2nd in the 59th District ranking with a 4-1 record. The remaining district game will be against the Pikeville Lady Panthers on September 30th as the Lady Warriors look to avenge their only district loss earlier in the year.
