Ladycats make more history by notching first win at regionals, fall to Scott in semis
By Samantha Verst
The Ladycats 2024 volleyball season has come to an end with a 22-7 record. This past week, the team competed in the 10th regional tournament and walked away having etched their way into Pendleton County volleyball history. The Ladycats picked up a first-round win over the Augusta Lady Panthers on Oct. 29, which marked the first ever regional tournament game win in school history. Unfortunately, the team fell short to Scott High School in their regional semifinal game.
In their 3-1 win over Augusta, Allison Aulick led the offense with nine kills and sixteen assists. Pypr McCloud contributed eight kills, and Gracie Cotterman and Kearstin Mayer contributed seven. The defense was led by Madison Verst with 29 digs.
In their loss to Scott, the Ladycat offense was led by Kearstin Mayer with seven kills. Mayer also had 16 digs. Madison Verst led the defense with 21 digs. Allison Aulick and Kearstin Mayer were named to the 10th Region All-Tournament Team.
It was a season full of great team and individual accomplishments. Gracie Cotterman currently ranks 15th in the state of Kentucky in blocks per set; Pypr McCloud currently ranks 22nd. Pendleton County is currently fifth in the state for team blocks per set. Madison Verst has remained at the top of the leaderboard for weeks as first in the state for digs per set. Verst recorded her 2000th dig earlier this season. Allison Aulick achieved two impressive milestones this season: 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. Kearstin Mayer recorded her 500th kill this season as well. The Ladycats achieved their second 38th district title in school history and recorded the school’s first win at the 10th region tournament.
Madison Verst (1) celebrates with Pendleton County High School teammate Jayla McIlvain (6) during the volleyball regional tournament last week at Bracken High School. The Ladycats made history when they picked up a first round win over the Augusta Lady Panthers. It was the first time in 11 attempts that Pendleton County picked up a win in regional action. The Ladycats lost to eventual champions Scott High School in the regional semifinal game. The Ladycats finished their volleyball season with a 22-7 record
The Ladycats scored their historic first win in the regional tournament over Augusta on Oct. 29. The program had previously fallen in the first round in 10 appearances dating back to 2005.
Allison Aulick and Kearstin Mayer were named to the All-Tournament team following their semifinal loss to Scott High. Photos by Adyson Dotson and Sam McClanahan.