Lee County volleyball breezes past Crisp on senior night

LEESBURG — Lee County sent its seniors out with a victory Thursday night. Now the Lady Trojans hope the energy from Senior Night follows them to Warner Robins.

Lee County rolled past Crisp County in straight sets, 25-10 and 25-15, in front of a large Senior Night crowd, giving coach Tondra Davis an opportunity to get nearly everyone on the floor in the Lady Trojans’ final tune-up before Saturday’s Region 2-6A tournament.

Seniors Essential Hasan, Ragan Selman and Lindsay Kate Starr were honored before the match.

“This was the final warmup before the region, and we were supposed to play Northside Columbus as well, but I so appreciate Crisp tonight,” Davis said. “Hopefully, with it being Senior Night, our energy will take us into the region tournament.”

Lee County wasted little time taking control.

Mayce Roberts opened the first set at the service line, and the Lady Trojans scored the first six points for a 6-0 lead. Crisp County never seriously threatened after that.

Freshman Lexi Copeland served the final three points as Lee County closed out the opening set, 25-10.

The Lady Cougars scored first in the second set, but that lead disappeared quickly.

When Lee County gained serve, Copeland stepped behind the line and helped spark another dominant run. By the time Crisp County scored again, the Lady Trojans had built a 10-1 advantage.

With Lee County comfortably in front, Davis began rotating players and eventually changed the entire lineup, allowing others to see court time on Senior Night.

Crisp made the second set more competitive down the stretch, but Lee County never surrendered control. Power hitter Jada Ridley delivered the final blow, hammering a spike for match point and a 25-15 victory.

The stakes become considerably higher Saturday.

Lee County finished fourth in the region standings behind Houston County, Veterans and Tift County and will face fifth-place Thomas County Central in the opening round of the region tournament in Warner Robins.

A loss would end the Lady Trojans’ season. A victory would send them into a matchup with top-seeded Houston County.

Two wins would put Lee County in the region championship match.

Thursday, however, was about three seniors, a packed home gym and one final opportunity to build momentum.

The warmups are over.

On Saturday, Lee County plays to keep its season alive.