Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

Nothing worth having ever came easy. Just ask the Ironton Lady Fighitng Tigers.

In a classic battle, the Lady Tigers got their first volleyball win of the season by getting past the Fairland Lady Dragons five sets Thursday.

Ironton dropped the first set 14-21 and then rebounded to win 25-21, 21-25, 25-22 and 15-10 in the tiebreaker.

“Fairland made us work and earn the ‘W.’ However, our girls never quit after the first game loss,” said Ironton coach Beth Campbell.

Saige Fields had 11 points and 9 kills, Andi Kratzenberg 8p oints and 9 kills, and setter Maggie Thomas had a big game with 36 assists and 10 points.

“They said a setter is the leader of a volleyball team. Maggie Thomas displayed that leadership and so much more tonight,” said Campbell. “I can’t say enough about her leadership skills. She hustled all night.

“We also got a great defensive effort in the later games from Laken White with 22 digs against a quick and smart Dragons’ offense.”

Lexie Washington added 9 kills and a career-high 13 points with 5 blocks for Ironton and teammate Macy Wise had 9 kills and 4 blocks. Jordan Hannan added 3 kills and 4 points.

Haley Woodall led Fairland with 15 points and Chandler Faulks had 7 points.

In the jayvee game, Fairland won 25-4 and 25-14 as Morgan Manns had 13 points and Kelsey Riley 9. Desiree Scott led Ironton with 6 points.

In the freshman game, Fairland won 25-23, 25-22. Shelby Naegele and Faith Murray had 7 points each for Fairland while Laura Shoppe and Scott had 4 points and 4 kills each for Ironton. Karlie Rase added 4 kills and Hannon 12 assists for Ironton.

The Lady Tigers hosts Portsmouth at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.