The Gilmer Lady Cats entered the Region 6-4A volleyball tournament with their season on the line.
GHS was the No. 5 seed and faced the No. 2 seeded LaFayette Ramblers in the first round and lost in straight sets.
The Cats were sent to the consolation bracket with an opportunity to extend their season but lost to the Ridgeland Panthers, 2-0.
“We went through a lot of injury and sickness this season, and never really had the entire original lineup on the court at any given time this year,” GHS coach Donna Parks said.
“I can’t take anything away from our competition in the region, however. After checking the Class 4A rankings on Maxpreps.com, it seems four of the top 16 Class 4A teams in the state are from our region. I knew our region was tough, but wow.
“I really look forward to everyone being well and healed up for next season.”
LaFayette controlled the action in Gilmer’s opening round match. The Ramblers earned set wins of 25-13 and 25-11.
“The girls put up a fight but just couldn’t get the win,” Parks said. “All of the girls for LaFayette have really strong, hard down ball hits. We struggled with digging them up.”
Gilmer had some of the same issues against Ridgeland when it took the court for its final match of the season. The Panthers claimed set victories of 25-15 and 25-16.
“We had trouble digging up the ball to get a good set for a hit,” said Parks. “The girls kept pushing through and gave it their all but just couldn’t overcome the hard hits that Ridgeland kept hitting at them.”
GHS tournament statistics included, aces: Josie Reece (two) and Beth Burnette (one). Kills: Elly Callihan (nine), Kadie Weaver (four), Burnette (two) and Sarah Sheahan and Lauren Smith (one).
Also, blocks: Weaver and Emma Callihan (one). Assists: Emma Callihan (11). Digs: Hope Colwell (11), Emma Callihan (nine), Catarina Tercero (six), Elly Callihan and Burnette (five) and Sheahan (two).
GHS posted a 15-27 overall record this season.