Class AA Lady Hurricanes finish the season sixth in the state

Just three years into the program, the East Hamilton Lady Hurricanes volleyball team has experienced a whirlwind of excitement this season with numerous wins.

"Overall we rank sixth in the state," said assistant coach Jen Casey. "For a school that's only been open for three years, only winning nine games the first year and now going to state, that's huge. It shows how hard our girls really work."

photo East Hamilton High School Lady Hurricanes volleyball team front from left are Katie Loftin, Emily Clemmons, Allison Walden, Amanda Thompson, Morgan Phillips and Elizabeth Behrend. Back from left are head coach Kristy Lenoir, Sydney Harris, Emma Lenoir, Kennedy Fager, Tori Pierce and assistant coach Jen Casey. Not pictured are Briley Considine and Kylie Scruggs.

At the season's end the Class AA Lady Hurricanes were 32-10 going into the state tournament at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro Oct. 26-28.

The Lady Hurricanes started out the state tournament defeating South Greene High School in 3 sets of 2.

Then, East Hamilton progressed to the winner's bracket but lost to reigning champion Page High School in 3 sets of 1. In the final round the Lady Hurricanes lost to Red Bank High School in 3 sets of 1.

The Lady Hurricanes finished the season with record of 33-12.

"We are a school to be reckoned with," said Casey. "We've come out of nowhere like a thunderstorm."

Head coach Kristy Lenoir said the team has worked hard for the last two years and come a long way. She said in the first year the team won nine matches; in the second season the team won 22 matches. "Overall I think we are a very good consistent serving team," said Lenoir. "We are a team that does not have a super star. It's a collective effort. It takes the whole group to step up to the plate and do their part."

She said this is the first year the Lady Hurricanes have made it out of the district tournament.

"I'm especially proud of my team," said team captain Elizabeth Behrend. "We were the team everyone made fun of a few years ago and now we are the ones to beat."

Co-team captain Katie Loftin said "we all get along and play well together as a team."

The team has been training since the start of June with weight training, running and practices. Many Lady Hurricanes play year-round through club volleyball in the off season from December through June.

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