Owensboro High School’s volleyball program made history Thursday night, claiming their first-ever 3rd Region volleyball championship with a 3-1 victory over Owensboro Catholic in a match played at McLean County High School.
The Lady Devils were looking for redemption after falling to the Lady Aces three times this season, including in the 9th District championship last week.
Owensboro reached the championship match after taking down Breckinridge County in Tuesday’s opener and Grayson County in the semifinals on Wednesday.
The bout with Catholic was intense from the start, with Owensboro pulling ahead to win the first set 25-23 in a tight, back-and-forth battle. Catholic developed an early lead, but the Lady Devils held strong, never backing down in what would become the game’s defining theme.
The second set saw Catholic regroup, beating Owensboro 25-21 and evening the score. However, the Lady Devils came back in the third set with their most dominant performance, winning 25-14. Finally, they sealed their victory with a 25-20 win in the fourth set, as the gym erupted with cheers from the Owensboro faithful.
“It was amazing,” Owensboro head coach Melissa Hibbs said. “It almost feels like a dream to make school history. We set this goal at the start of the season, and even when things were tough, our girls never doubted themselves. I’m just so proud of what they accomplished.”
Hibbs credited her team’s impressive blocking and front-line play for their performance against Catholic. Leading the charge offensively was senior Addie Travis, who tallied 19 kills, with freshman Ayrish Barksdale close behind with 14. Anna Travis, a sophomore, led the team in assists with 22, followed by senior Ava Fincher with 18.
Fincher and senior Rose Larsen also anchored the defense, each recording 14 digs.
“It was definitely a collective effort,” Hibbs said. “Addie Travis and Ayrish Barksdale were amazing on the front line, and Anna and Ava did such a great job with their setter decisions. They really kept the momentum going for us.”
Reflecting on the athletic department’s recent success at Owensboro, Hibbs praised Athletic Director Todd Harper, who she said has been a consistent advocate for female sports programs.
“Todd has been the most amazing athletic director, constantly asking how he can support us and help build our program,” Hibbs said. “Whether it’s letting students in for free to create an atmosphere or just being there for every game, he’s helped make this feel like a true family.”
With the historic win, Owensboro (24-14) advances to face McCracken County, the 1st Region champions, on the road Monday night as they continue their postseason journey.
As the Lady Devils look forward, Hibbs said they’ll focus on staying disciplined.
“We’ve said it all year – we’re going to focus on our side of the net,” she said. “If we play a clean game and reduce our errors, we believe we can compete with the best. It’ll be tough, but if we bring the same fight we had tonight, we feel good going into Monday.”
Hibbs also credited her husband, Derek, for holding down the “homefront” and taking care of their five kids during the busy season. She was excited to share in the celebration with her family.
“Halloween at the gym beats a bucket of candy anytime,” she said.
Owensboro Catholic was led by standout performances from Addie Oller with 15 kills and Jaiden Grant with 12 kills and five blocks. Mayme Arnold recorded 24 assists, and Tyranda Stuart led with 15 digs.
The Lady Aces finished the season 25-14 as 9th District champions.
