WCYB and PJ

[Unchained]

Covered the CMD volleyball final (BTW congrats Devils), but once again whiffed on the LPD tournmaent final between Kelly and Burton. Anybody have the result?

[imported_Sportsman]

Kelly in 3 sets.

[Unchained]

21-1 season (only loss was to RC, which later was avenged) LPD regular season and tournament champions. A historic season for the Lady Indians. Coach Shortt has done an awesome job at JJK. Congrats to both Kelly's Lady Indians and GC's Lady Devils (as well as the Burton Lady Raiders)

[Unchained]

J.J. Kelly downs Burton for LPD title

Thursday, Nov 01, 2007 - 11:29 PM

BY Bucky Dent
Sports Writer
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J.J. Kelly's volleyball team probably didn't play at its peak Thursday night in the Lonesome Pine District Tournament finals.

Then again, the Indians didn't need to.

With senior hitter Kalen Collins pounding down 21 kills, top-seeded Kelly cruised past No. 2 J.I. Burton 25-19, 25-11, 25-17 at Howard Deel Gym.

Autumn Chisenhall added 13 kills and 15 service points for the Indians (21-1), while senior setter Samantha Brummette dished out 43 assists.

"We're on a roll; we've just got to keep on pushing," Collins said.

It was Kelly's third win this year against the Raiders (9-12), but its 19th consecutive win wasn't its sharpest performance at times.

Nineteen of Burton's first 26 points came off mistakes ? i.e. hitting errors, bad passes or net violations -- and the Indians had serious trouble with receiving serve in brief spurts.

"We had a letdown in serve-receive," Kelly coach Allison Shortt said. "They just have to believe in themselves. I certainly believe in them."

There's a lot for Shortt to believe in, particularly when Brummette can give Collins or Chisenhall quality kill opportunities. Few teams in the Group A ranks have two power hitters of that ilk.

The Raiders never quit playing hard ? they were still diving full-length to dig up kills as late as 20-11 in the final game ? but simply didn't have the power or versatility to press their next-door neighbor.

"I really thought we would play better, but we were flat and timid," Burton coach Jon Bright said. "[Kelly] knows how to win and we have to learn how to.

"When you get an opportunity in a championship match, you've got to play like you're in one. We have room for improvement."

Hannah Stewart had 13 assists for the Raiders, which have made great strides from last year's 3-18 record. April Hamilton recorded seven kills and freshman Cassie Godsey notched nine digs.

While Burton goes to Black Diamond District regular season champion Honaker Monday night in its Region D opener, the Indians will be heavily favored against the BDD runnerup ? either Haysi or Council.

A Kelly win sets up a likely semifinal match with its former LPD nemesis, Gate City, a possibility about which Collins was queried.

"We've never beaten Gate City since I've been in high school," she said. "Everybody has talked about it, but you can't overlook anyone [in the regionals]. We've got to win Monday."

[1inStripes]

RC also completed their sweep of the CD again last night as well. Does anyone know who is hosting the regionals?

[Glory_Days]

i think the first rounds are at satelite sites

[imported_Sportsman]

First round action is at satellite sights on Monday at 7:00.

Kelly hosts BD #2
Gate City hosts Twin Springs
Honaker hosts J.I. Burton
Rye Cove hosts Virginia High

Tournament moves to Castlewood Wednesday and Thursday I think.