PENDLETON–The Arabians gave effort that made the coaches proud and never backed down from an opponent that, in the end, was just too powerful to be overcome.
Yorktown junior Kenzie Knuckles recorded 13 kills, including the 1,000th of her career as the Tigers pounded Pendleton Heights 25-18, 25-14, 25-13.
Pendleton Heights (7-7) traded points early with Yorktown (11-1), but could not put together any long scoring runs against the defending 3A state champions. Acting head coach Haylee Cox said she was happy with the way the team fought early on and throughout the match, even as things started slipping away.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our girls,” Cox said. “They came out strong, ready to compete, and they came out to get better. I think they definitely did.”
Pendleton Heights committed nine service errors in the match, a number that is not conducive to pulling an upset against one of the state’s elite programs.
“They’re a great team, super talented,” Cox said. “Unforced errors shifted the tide a little bit. Against a team like that, you can’t give away points.”
One of the bright spots from the loss was the play of sophomore middle hitters Gracie King and Averi Lanman. King had 10 kills and a block while Lanman had four kills and six blocks.
“I thought our middles were keeping us in the game,” Cox said. “They did a great job finding holes, putting the ball down hard, and staying aggressive.”
Senior Brinkley Gary added six kills and sophomore Aubree Dwiggins had 20 assists for Pendleton Heights, who face another tough opponent when Zionsville comes to town September 6 before the Arabians open Madison County tournament play at Anderson High School Thursday, September 7. Pendleton Heights is in Pool C, along with Frankton and Anderson.
