NEW MADISON – Tri-Village girls volleyball celebrated a senior night win over National Trail in straight sets Thursday night. It also turned out to be a record setting night for three players as well.
Starting the game off, a presentation was made to senior Heidi Bell, a steady all-around player for the PATS with her 500th career dig.
Then on the third kill in the game by junior Gabby Kirby, play stopped to recognize her 266th kill of the season which set a new single season record breaking the old mark set by Lily Camacho last year.
Patriots Gabby Kirby slams home her 266th kill for the season, setting a new single-season record. (Dale Barger photo)
Gabby also had 24 kills in a 5-set win over Dixie on October 7th setting a new single game record as well.
“Gabby (coach Alaine Kirby’s daughter) is a great leader on and off the floor and works hard year-round, and it’s really paying off,” Coach Kirby would say on her accomplishment.
The Patriots rolled in the first set 25-10, in fact they won all three sets by the same score.
In the second set play stopped again this time to recognize Mylee Bierly as the junior picked up her 1,166th dig to set a new career record surpassing assistant coach Kara (Hollinger) Burns who had the old record at Tri-Village.
“Mylee is hungry and wants to get everything and only being a junior, she is going to add a lot more digs in her career,” Kirby stated.
Mylee Bierly dives to dig up a ball and broke the career record for digs. (Dale Barger photo)
Tri-Village’s coach in her first season at the helm after assisting the last few years talked about how much fun it has been this year.
“Being the head coach, it’s a lot of work, but I’ve enjoyed every second. I have a great group of girls, and they make my job so much easier,” Kirby explained.
Helping make it fun for her were three seniors recognized before the game: Heidi Bell, Camryn Osborne and Emma Whaley
“Our seniors have done really well in their roles this year and have been excellent leaders for the program,” Kirby said.
She further commented on her seniors individually.
Senior Heidi Bell registered 500 career digs and has done well at the net too with this kill on senior night. (Dale Barger photo)
“Heidi Bell has just been a great asset to the team, a great role model for the girls. She’s hard working, disciplined, and displays a great attitude,” Kirby complimented.
“Cam has been playing well all the way around this year. This is the first year she’s played front row and worked hard enough in the off season to get there and has done well,” Kirby approved.
“Probably the most emotional senior for me is Emma Whaley, because over the past two years, she has bought into every single thing that I fed her, and has worked so hard and hands down is our most improved player, so I’m just super proud of her,” Kirby praised.
“She had a phenomenal game today, and the other night against dixie, when we needed her to show up, she showed up big,” Kirby added.
The Patriots have played some good teams over the last half of the season against West Liberty Salem, Alter, Minster and Miami East and although they resulted in a loss it should help them in the tournament.
They currently are 11-10 overall, 8-3 in the league and finished tied for 3rd place with Ansonia in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference.
Despite having defeated Ansonia twice this year the Patriots were the #7 seed and the Tigers the #4 seed in the OHSAA DVI South Sectional. The two teams will square off a third time this year on Tuesday October 14th, 5:30pm at Arcanum High School.
National Trail fell 5-16 overall and 1-10 in the WOAC. The Blazers were a #14 seed, and they will play #1 seed Arcanum on Wednesday October 15th, 7:00pm at Arcanum High School.
Tri-Village seniors Emma Whaley, Heidi Bell and Camryn Osborne played their last volleyball game at home. (Dale Barger photo)
