There were many reasons to smile Thursday night as the Ryle volleyball team took down Cooper on the road in straight sets to mark their eighth win of the season.
Conceding just three of their 24 total sets on the year, the Raiders’ motto is all about playing with a free spirit no matter the outcome.
“We go out there on a good night or a bad night with a smile on our face,” senior and Thomas More commit Lucy Trapp said. “You have to find the fun in it and I think that’s really paid off for us so far.”
Ryle’s energy translated into positive offensive possessions as they opened the first set with three aces and eight kills. Cooper’s outside hitter Carly Schroeder helped the Jaguars keep the scoreline within reach with a pair of kills before the Raiders went on a 10-5 run to take the first set 25-13.
Both Trapp and fellow senior Karsyn Griffin, a Northern Alabama sand volleyball commit, have combined for over 150 kills on the year. A stat that makes up for more than half the teams total proved true in Thursday’s match as the pair split 16 of the team’s 31 kills.
“I think we bounce off each other’s game really well,” Trapp said. “Not only do we get along really well, but we each bring a different style of play because I’m used to the hard court style while her sand ability adds another dynamic.”
The second set presented a heavy defensive presence from both ends of the net as Schroeder and Ryle middle blocker Layna Wilkinson both came up with decisive blocks. Cooper’s Raegan Johnson showed her defensive ability from the ground as she produced a number of digs that translated into chances for the Jaguars.
Similar to the opening set, Ryle was able to break away from their back and forth battle as they claimed both the second set and third sets 25-15.
“You never like to lose but I think we can walk away with a few things to be proud of tonight,” Cooper head coach Michelle Isaac said. “We weren’t at full strength thanks to a few injuries, but tonight we played for more than just ourselves and it’s a great tradition.”
Prior to the match, both programs came together to support their classmates in the annual Modified Classroom Volleyball Game which gave disabled students from each school the opportunity to play their own match on the court.
“It’s great to come out and not only compete against a district opponent but it’s awesome that we get to do this event together,” Ryle head coach Tasha Tanner-Lovins said. “Getting people to donate, support, and show up for their schools is pretty special.”
Both Isaac and Tanner-Lovins have organized this event for a number of seasons as the money raised provides the students with equipment and school necessities. On top of the event, Thursday’s game was also recognized as Military Appreciation Night as both programs wore specialized jerseys to honor those who served.
“It’s always nice when you can get wins against all your district opponents in the season,” Tanner-Lovins said. “The girls of course love this event but I really think our overall tenacity has been consistent so far through the season. They’ve made the right plays when needed.”
Unbeaten through eight, the Raiders will take a trip down to Louisville to compete in an invitational tournament. Starting with two matches on Friday, the outcome will decide their schedule through the weekend.
“It’s a challenge we like to take on and look forward to each year and it’ll be a test for us,” Tanner-Lovins said. “You never know where we’ll fare with all the teams but I know the girls are definitely prepared and excited.”
The Raiders will look to carry over Thursday night’s offensive production as four players had at least five kills while junior setter Morgan Heater had two aces to add to her season-leading total of 18.
Despite the loss, Cooper’s resilience stood out most for Isaac.
“We weren’t really sure until Tuesday whether or not we’d have a full squad. I’m mainly proud of the fact that we competed against them (Ryle) and were able to stay present in each set.”
Currently at 3-2 on the season, the Jaguars will take a weekend road-trip to play both Southwestern and Madison Central on Saturday morning.
