Lee County volleyball beats Grace Christian, Perry

LEESBURG — Lee County coach Tondra Davis saw something Thursday that should serve the Lady Trojans well when region competition begins next week.

Her team wouldn’t go away.

Lee County rallied from a set down to hand Grace Christian its first loss of the season, then returned to the court to sweep Perry and complete a perfect night at home.

The Lady Trojans opened with a 24-26, 25-21, 17-15 victory over Grace Christian before beating Perry 25-21, 25-13 in the nightcap.

“Today we battled, and the difference, I felt, was no matter what the setback was during the games, we continued to play,” Davis said. “Energy stayed high, teammates made each other accountable, and it translated into two wins against two good teams.”

Grace Christian, from Bainbridge, provided the biggest test.

The Lady Cougars edged Lee County 26-24 in a tightly contested opening set and appeared on their way to completing the victory when they built a five-point advantage in the second.

The Lady Trojans responded.

Lee County chipped away at the deficit and eventually moved in front before senior Essential Hasan finished the comeback in emphatic fashion, serving consecutive aces to close out a 25-21 victory and force a deciding third set.

Neither team could create much separation in the finale.

Strong serving and play at the net from Jada Ridley, Lindsay Kate Starr and Lyncoln Daniels helped Lee County finally prevail 17-15, handing Grace Christian its first defeat.

There wasn’t nearly as much drama against Perry.

Lee County took the opening set 25-21 before controlling the second 25-13 to complete the sweep.

“I am very proud of the girls, but now we take this into the first round of region on Tuesday,” Davis said.

The Lady Trojans travel to Northside-Warner Robins for the opening round of Region 2-6A play Tuesday. The region includes Lee County, Houston County, Northside, Veterans, Thomas County Central and Tift Coun