By KIM NELSON
The 2023 volleyball season came to an end this week for the Pulaski County Middle School team on the road against Scott Memorial.
The Cougar spikers finished strong with a 25-12, 25-20 victory over their hosts. The win gives the Cougars a 12-2 finish on the season, with the two losses coming to two teams they have also beaten this season.
In the opening contest, it was close for a while as the Cougars seemed to be a little out of sorts being their final match. However, they took the lead at 9-8 and never looked back. At one point, the Cougars led 20-8 before finishing off the game behind the serving of Jayden Brown.
Brown was 15-for-15 from behind the service line. Ainsley Vaughan, Jagger Davis were both 2-for-2, and Sandy Santos 2-for-3.
Bailey Viars connected on two hits, while Natalie Kinder, Gracie Painter and Davis each added one. Ryleigh Dean and Vaughan teamed for four assists and four tips. Davis was the top passer.
In game two, Vaughan stepped up to lead the serving attack for PCMS, going 13-for-13. Davis finished 4-for-4, Dean, Kinder, Brown and Bethenny King were all 1-for-1.
The Cougars got their offense going as they recorded 20 hits. Davis led the way with 10, Gracie Painter, Kinder and King each added three, and Brown one.
Dean and Vaughan combined for 17 assists and nine tips. Davis chipped in five tips of her own. Davis, Vaughan and King were the top passers.
In the extra game, Maddie Rinehardt led the way from the service line for the Cougars, who won 25-14, going 9-for-9. Davae Carter finished 6-for-6, Madison Akers 4-for-6, and Kaya Harriman and Aundrea Stump were both 1-for-1. Harriman had the only Cougar hit with Rinehardt getting the assist. Isabella Osborne and Akers were the top passers.
The Cougars lose 11 eighth graders from this year’s squad. They include Madison Akers, Jayden Brown, Devae Carter, Jagger Davis, Ryleigh Dean, Bethenny King, Isabella Osborne, Gracie Painter, Sandy Santos, Ainsley Vaughan and Bailey Viars.