KCAA Champions–Oak Ridge Lady Warriors
Senior Shay Oaks, who made the All-Tournament and All-State Teams, shown here in action for the Lady Warriors. PHOTO | Greg Moore
By Greg Moore
Banner Sports Editor
The Lady Warriors completed the season this past weekend at the KCAA State Tournament at West Jessamine High School. It proved to be a determined run just as the season has been for the Oak Ridge team that has had moments of let downs; however, that is not what determines champions. They proved that by finishing off their nemesis, the Lexington Latin Gladiators, in a thrilling comeback victory where they poured every ounce of heart and grit in bringing the first ever Varsity State Volleyball Championship back to the Ridge!
After losing to the Gladiators in the winner’s bracket, the Lady Warriors had to fight through North Hardin, another good team, once again, to get back to the championship match up with the Gladiators. After the two-set match with North Hardin, Oak Ridge found themselves down 0-1 to Lexington Latin after a 25-23 set.
Undeterred, the Lady Warriors were not ready to take the long road trip back home with another runner-up trophy. They dug their heels into the court and bowed their necks in two dominant wins (25-18 and 25-16) to force another match since both teams each had dropped only one match.
Sierra Marshall, ORCA senior who nabbed All-Tournament at State, shown here in the Regionals passing the ball to set up a play for the Lady Warriors. PHOTO | Greg Moore
Oak Ridge picked right back up where they left off, winning 25-16 in the first set of the finale. And, just when it looked like they were ready to end it in two sets, the Gladiators fought back in their own come-from-behind win, 26-24.
The Lady Warriors stayed composed and after a back-forth start, they were able to secure the stretch run, winning the third set, 25-18. MVP of the tournament was Lexi Bratcher while Shay Oaks and Sierra Marshall made the All-Tournament Team. Oaks and Zoey Cardwell were rewarded for the All-State Team, also.
