by Bill Turner
Cave Spring made a strong statement for River Ridge District volleyball supremacy Tuesday night as the Knights powered their way past Hidden Valley in three straight games 25-17; 25-20; 25-19 at the Cave Spring gym.
Cave Spring has now defeated all five River Ridge teams in the first trip through district play without losing a game in any match. It was Hidden Valley’s first district setback. The teams meet again October 27th at Hidden Valley.
The Knights jumped out to a 21-14 lead in game one before trading points on their way to the 8-point victory. In the second game, Cave Spring rolled out to a 9-1 advantage before Hidden Valley closed to within two, at 18-16. Cave Spring closed it out with a 7-4 run for the second-game victory.
Cave Spring led game three 20-18 before a 5-1 surge closed out the match.
The Knights were led by all-state senior Morgan Shannon’s 14 kills, while fellow senior Kelsey Sine added 7 kills and three blocks. Libero Lauren Sledd reeled in 14 digs for the Knights, with senior captain Shannon Craighead setting the front line with 32 assists.
Sarah Patterson led Hidden Valley as the James Madison-bound senior had 23 assists and 5 blocks. Caroline Boone threw down 14 kills for the Titans along with 4 blocks.
