Lady Horns win 5-set thriller at Hampton

Taking on the top two teams in District 1-AA last week proved to provide rough sledding for the Johnson County volleyball team, but the Longhorns showed strides have been made during a 3-2 win at Hampton on Monday. Johnson County (1-4, 2-6) outlasted the Bulldogs, 25-15, 15-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13, in an epic, see-saw clash. "The Hampton match was a great example of the kind of team we are continuing to become," first-year Johnson County coach Kris Hagaman said. "I was especially proud of the way our girls continued to compete when things didn't always go our way." Addyson Snyder led the way with 10 kills. Summer Wells piled up 19 assists and matched Mackenzie McClain for the team lead with 11 digs. Among those cashing in Wells' assists was Ella Icenhour, who had six kills. Karlie Fletcher and C.J. Lipford each had three kills, as did Wells. "It is such a great feeling to watch the ball come perfectly off your hands," Wells said, "and you're watching the ball go right where it needs to be and your hitter approaching and meeting the ball and swing right through. It feels great to see Rayley (Matheson), Addy (Snyder), C.J., Karlie and Ella hit a ball and just kill it." Rayley Matheson has been sidelined the past four matches. "One of the challenges we are facing right now is being without Rayley due to injury," Hagaman said. "Rayley is an important part of our team, but what has impressed me even more is the way she has continued to be a part of the team despite not being able to play. She continues to come to practice, support her teammates and find ways to help make those around her better. That says a lot about who she is and the kind of team culture we are trying to build." Longhorns players have been eager to commend Hagaman. "Playing for Kris has been a great experience," Fletcher said. "She pushes us to be better but also believes in us and wants us to succeed. One thing that makes her such an effective coach is that she knows how to hold us accountable while still encouraging us. She expects a lot from us because she knows what we are capable of, and I think that has helped us grow both individually and as a team." The Longhorns had a short turnaround after outlasting Hampton. The following day included a visit to Elizabethton, which is in second place in District 1-AA. And the Cyclones (3-1, 5-2) prevailed, 25-14, 25-11, 25-10. Hagaman's squad followed that up by hosting Sullivan East (4-0, 11-3) on Thursday, and the league-leading Patriots won, 25-16, 25-10, 25-15. Fletcher, one of seven seniors on the team, sees the Longhorns becoming a dangerous team as the season unfolds. Certainly, her productive offseason should bolster such optimism. "I feel like I've grown a lot since this time last year," Fletcher said. "I'm more confident in myself and in my abilities, and I feel like I understand the game better. I've worked a lot on staying consistent and not letting one mistake affect the next play. I still have a lot I want to improve on, but I'm proud of the progress I've made." Fletcher was selected as a team captain. "I think I have learned how to become a better leader for the girls younger than me," she said. "I think I take accountability of my mistakes, and help others do the same. When you have a family-like team it's amazing how much everyone leads. Although I got chosen for a captain position, every single girl on the team takes leadership in some way, shape or form." Hagaman is encouraged by the team chemistry. Matheson continuing to be engaged while sidelined is one of many examples of selflessness. "Every player has an important role," Hagaman said, "and we are fortunate to have a group that understands that being a good teammate goes far beyond what happens on the court. Our players continually encourage, challenge and support one another, and everyone contributes to making our team better each day. That commitment to one another is something I believe will continue to be an important part of our success this season. "The Hampton win was a great step for us, but more importantly, I felt like we continued to see growth in the way we competed and stayed together. We are learning to fight through adversity, trust one another and continue competing for every point. That is the kind of growth we want to see as we move through the season." The Longhorns were scheduled to compete in the Rebel Classic at Patrick Henry (Va.) on Saturday, Sept. 5, and they will host Chuckey-Doak on Thursday, Sept. 10.