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What a week it has been for the Volleyball Centurions! Thursday evening, CAL visited the Ballard Bruins for another District match. The desire to win filled the gym on both sides. Game one started with an intimidating back row attack by Caroline Rassenfoss. CAL then took an early seven point lead, and though Ballard pulled within two toward the end, a deep kill from Kasey Wilmsmeyer finished the game in CAL’s favor. CAL dominated match two after a thirteen serve run by Jill Von Hoven built an early lead.

Ballard regrouped in game three, made adjustments, and became a bit more formidable going head-to-head in early play. With Ballard taking a momentary lead at 5-4, CAL displayed their flexibility as Abby Davis made a low pass to middle Casey Jane Mann, who followed with a beautiful, uncharacteristic set to normal setter Kate Amin for a smooth lefty kill. Not going down without a fight, Ballard tied the score at 13, 14, 15, 16, and 19. But, CAL was not about to give this District match away. The Centurions took charge to finish in a clean sweep (25-21, 25-6, 25-21). Subsequently, on Friday, when the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association updated their bi-weekly poll, CAL broke into the top ten in spot #9. This well-deserved rank moved five slots up from the KVCA pre-season #14 assessment.

Friday after the Senior Carnival, CAL traveled three hours to play in the Quad State tournament in Paducah, Kentucky, along with 31 other teams from Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee. Many of the senior six-pack remembered their Sophomore year when the team returned with a runner-up trophy after a tough match against McCracken County. Friday night’s matches started with the Carbondale (IL) Terriers. Though true to their name, this tenacious team could not compete with CAL, who won easily (25-17, 25-14). Pumped up, CAL then blew past the Warren County Warriors (25-12, 25-9). Back in the gym late Saturday morning, CAL started play in the Gold bracket with an easy win against the Marshall County Lady Marshalls (25-21, 25-6).

Next up, CAL took on Apollo in a grudge match. Having knocked CAL out of the semis at the Blue Grass Invitational in September, CAL wanted to return the favor in this tournament. Just like the first meeting, CAL easily won the first match by eleven points. Again, like the first meeting, Apollo made smart adjustments in game two and took the set. The fans cringed, thinking a repeat of the previous meeting might be in the offing. But the team had other ideas, leaving the Eagles in the dust to take the match and earn a spot in the finals (25-14, 20-25, 15-9). Kudos go to Freshmen Emily Amin for a great serving run during tense moments in this match, as well as Maddie Lewis, who made some clutch serves and displayed her outstanding passing skills.

CAL’s opponent in the finals, the scrappy Owensboro Catholic Aces, brought on some trepidation given they beat CAL in the semis of this same tournament last year. Game one started badly with the Aces taking an early six point lead. Picking away one-by-one, CAL fought back to tie the score at 8-8. Ties then followed at 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. At this point, Hadley Trenaman took a strong stance and and served five in a row. A final back row attack by Caroline won the first game in CAL’s favor. With a great battle at the net by Kate, CAL put the first point of game two on the board. A four-point serving run by Abby added to it. With Hadley not about to give in and continuing to dig like a maniac on the back row, both Kate and Hannah Wilhite fed perfect sets to Kasey and Casey Jane for some excellent hits from the middle. Several signature combos from Jill (pass) – Kate (set) – Caroline (kill) added to the score. Though tied briefly at 9s, CAL was clearly in charge of game two, winning the TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP in two sets (25-21, 25-20). It seemed only fitting that this Senior-led team, many of whom have played for CAL since the second grade, would finally bring this tournament win home to CAL.

This week, CAL will play sister school and challenging rivals at Christian Academy Indiana on Tuesday and Collins at home on Thursday. Come watch this exciting squad in action!

Congratulations to senior, Jonathan Embry who signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Liberty University.

Jonathan has attended CAL since Kindergarten and has played baseball for the CAL varsity team since the 8th grade.

“Jonathan is the best high school catcher I’ve ever seen. He does everything right and outworks everyone. He is a quality kid on and off the field,” said CAL head baseball coach, Tim Brown.

Embry also visited Bellarmine University before deciding to attend Liberty.

“I chose Liberty because I wanted a Christian education and I really like the rural mountain setting of the campus. Playing at Liberty will give me the chance to play for a NCAA regional championship as well as the opportunity to play in a world series,” said Embry.

Jonathan was named to the All District Team (2014 & 2015), the All District Tournament Team (2015) and the All Region Team (2014 &2015). He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering and looks forward to playing for the Liberty Flames next fall.

Congratulations to senior, Mollie Reese, who signed a letter of intent yesterday afternoon to play field hockey at Bellarmine University.

Former CAL head field hockey coach Jeremy Nelson, who coached Reese for 3 years, encouraged her to stop and cherish the day and thank everyone who had come to honor her at the signing ceremony.

“As you look back on your field hockey career, this is something God has planned for you. You have been chosen and appointed to shine your light and be a reflection of Jesus at Bellarmine. This is an awesome responsibility I know you can live up to,” said Nelson.

“There are so many things we are thankful for – two great kids, an amazing school and coaches who have invested in Mollie as a player and a person. We are so proud of her,” said Mollie’s dad, Keith Reese.

Mollie’s awards for field hockey include: MVP, Kentucky Select-1st Team, Senior All Star, Nominee for Miss Field Hockey Award, Nominee for the Rachel Baker Award, All District 1 Team, Most Outstanding Player, and KHSAA Academic All State Honorable Mention.

Reese also made an official visit to Centre College for field hockey before deciding to play for the Bellarmine Knights. Mollie plans to major in Business Administration or Marketing.

Congratulations to senior, Shelby Easley, who signed a letter of intent to play field hockey at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Easley started playing field hockey in the 6th grade and has been a part of the CAL field hockey team for 2 years.

The signing ceremony was opened in prayer by CAL head field hockey coach, Stanley Phulpagar.

Kimberly Collins, Shelby’s mother, thanked everyone for their support over the years.

“We have always seen Shelby’s potential and are so proud of her. The support she has received has been tremendous. Her grandparents came to every game including travel games. I am just so thankful,” said Collins.

Shelby has received the following awards for field hockey: 2011 All Catholic Team, 2013 Christian Academy of Louisville Offensive MVP award, Junior Kentucky All-Star, 2014 Christian Academy of Louisville Future Coaches Award, Senior Kentucky All-Star, Kentucky Select 1st Team, KHSSA State All-Tournament Team.

Lindenwood University is a NCAA Division II school and is in the same conference as Bellarmine. Shelby plans to major in biology and looks forward to playing for the Lions next year.

Congratulations to sophomore Laurel Dortch who has decided to take her field hockey skills to the next level by verbally committing to play at Miami University (OH). Dortch has played field hockey since the 5th grade.

After visiting Miami, Laurel decided to go ahead and commit to play for the Redhawks and found the school and field hockey program to be the best fit for her.

“I can’t imagine myself playing field hockey anywhere else. It is a great academic college, the facilities are great and the coaches are awesome,” said Laurel.

The Miami Redhawks compete in the NCAA Division I Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Congratulations Laurel!!

Congratulations to junior Grace Jennings, Christian Academy’s first singles State Champion in tennis. Grace just won her championship match 6-4, 6-1 against the 2013 state champion from Lexington Sayre. In doing so, Grace defeated the last 2 defending champions in overwhelming fashion and with phenomenal sportsmanship and determination.

Here is Grace’s path to the title:
Round of 64 – defeated Emily West of Paducah Tilghman, (6-0; 6-0)
Round of 32 – defeated Hannah Rickard of Lyon County, (6-0; 6-0)
Round of 16 – defeated Grace Gorby of Grayson County, (6-1; 6-1)
Quarterfinals – defeated Allison Quammen of Lexington Catholic, (6-0; 6-0)
Semifinals – defeated Michelle McKamey of McCracken County, (6-0; 6-1)
Finals – defeated Madeline Rolph of Sayre High (6-4; 6-1)

Congratulations to Jessica Powell and Brittany Mumford who both signed to play softball at Transylvania University.  Powell has played varsity softball at CAL since the 7th grade and Mumford since her freshman year.

“Jessica came to play varsity for us in the 7th grade. Not a lot of girls get to do that. She is one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever seen,” said CAL head softball coach, Kyle Mullin.

All of Jessica’s coaches praised her determination and commitment to improving her game.

“Jessica has been outstanding in the weight room and it shows in her performance on the field,” said CAL sports performance coach, Greg Lile.

Candy Harold, Powell’s hitting coach, said, “When I think of Jessica, three words come to mind: perseverance, patience, and diligence. All three of these speak to Jessica’s character.”

Powell has received the following awards for her achievements in softball: Team captain (2014 and 2015), 1st Team Academic Award, as well as being named to All District and All Region teams for multiple years during her softball career.

Jessica plans to major in exercise science at Transylvania, with a focus on recreational therapy for people with special needs and disabilities.

Brittany Mumford has attended CAL for 4 years and also played basketball for the Lady Centurions. She was named 2nd Team Academic, All District Team, All Region Team, and All State Team.

“Brittany has always led by example. She will do whatever it takes to win and can play anywhere you put her,” said CAL head softball coach, Kyle Mullin.

Former CAL girls’ basketball coach, Jana Costner, talked about the kind of athlete Brittany is, as well as her heart and love for others.

“Brittany has such a big heart. She gives you everything she has. She truly is a wonderful person inside and out. I’m so thankful God allowed me to be a part of her life,” said Costner.

Coach Kim Mumford, Brittany’s mother and CAL assistant softball coach, was emotional talking about Brittany’s years of playing sports and what it’s meant to their family.

Mumford visited several other schools before ultimately landing on Transylvania University.

“I fell in love with the campus. I love the small atmosphere, but also love having a big atmosphere right next to me at the University of Kentucky. My favorite thing is the location of the softball field and how the city of Lexington is right behind home plate,” said Mumford.

Brittany plans to major in exercise science and looks forward to playing for the Pioneers next fall.

CAL seniors, Cassidy Cook and Tanner Young, signed letters of intent with Centre College on Tuesday. Cassidy Cook has signed to play softball for the Colonels next fall and Tanner Young signed for football.

Charles Lorraine, Cassidy’s father who coached her in travel ball, spoke about the years of dedication required to play at the college level.

“Cassidy started this journey a long time ago and it’s been fun to watch. She is an 8 year varsity letterman and we are so proud of her,” said Charles.

“Cassidy is a great player and one of the best catchers we’ve had at CAL. She will play any position we ask of her and never complains,” said CAL head softball coach, Kyle Mullin.

Cook has received numerous awards including, All State 1st Team Academic, District 1st Team Academic, Junior All-Star Team, 8 year varsity letterman, and JV softball offensive player of the year 2009-2010 (Beth Haven High School). Cassidy plans to major in political science while at Centre.

Tanner Young has played competitive football since the age of 4 and came to CAL his junior year.

“I’m so thankful the Young’s took a leap of faith 2 years ago and decided to come to CAL. Tanner really stepped up for us during some big games this year,” said CAL head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Tanner’s dad, Rich Young, talked about the years put into the sport and how appreciative he is for those who have helped his son over the years.

“Tanner has always loved football. We are so thankful to CAL for offering a quality program with quality coaches who have poured into our son. We wish we could have been here longer and look forward to the next 4 years at Centre,” said Rich

Tanner concluded the signing ceremony by thanking his parents for their sacrifices made over the years and to Coach LeFors.

“I am thankful for Coach LeFors for making me a better player and an even better person,” said Tanner

Young was named 1st Team All District Quarterback as well as All-Academic Team. Tanner plans to major in business management and looks forward to playing for the Colonels next fall.