The Chillicothe Lady Hornets volleyball team fresh off their semifinal win over Maryville, met Savannah in the Class 3 District 16 Championship on Monday at Cameron High School. The Lady Hornets were the top seed in the district while Savannah was seeded third, but it was the Savages that had won the regular season matchup between these teams 3-0. Chillicothe was looking for their first volleyball district title in school history while Savannah was going for back to back district championships.
In the opening set, Savannah opened a little stronger but it was just a one point lead for the Savages at 9-8 when Savannah took control of the opening set, finishing on an extended run to go ahead with a 25-13 win. The Lady Hornets came out with a positive response in the 2nd set to go up early 4-1, then the score was tied at 9-9 before Savannah slowly started to separate from Chillicothe behind the strong attacks from outside hitter Trinaty Fansher. Savannah doubled their advantage with a 25-18 2nd set.
Coach Beetsma’s team showed tremendous heart, attitude and competitive spirit with their backs against the wall in the 3rd. Through the early portions of the set there were several ties and lead changes. After back to back kills from Ava Leamer, Chillicothe was able to establish a 14-12 lead. However, this is where the momentum shifted, Savannah scored six straight to go up four points and while Chillicothe never lost hope, the Savages maintained the lead the rest of the way for a 25-22 third set triumph and a district championship.
The Chillicothe Lady Hornets finish the season with a 23-4 record, the best in program history and the 3rd ever district title game appearance for Chillicothe volleyball. The Lady Hornets will graduate six seniors from the program: Liz Oliver, Kealee French, Allie West, Hannah Pfeifer, Addyson Shipley and Taylor Powers.
Savannah over Chillicothe in the Class 3 District 16 Championship 25-13, 25-18, 25-22
All District Honors
1st team: Lyla Beetsma and Emerson Staton
2nd team: Ava Leamer, Liz Oliver and Carman Woodworth
