Lady Dragons battle through early ups and downs
Despite a few early bumps in the 2025 season, Clinton High School volleyball Coach Lorri Johnson isn’t ready to panic.
“It’s early and I’m starting some freshmen and they’ve got to grow up a little bit,” Johnson said. “We’re 3-4, and it’s about where you are in October and not in August.”
The Lady Dragons opened the campaign on a high note with a road win at Hardin Valley Academy. After dropping the opening set, Clinton rallied for a 21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-21 victory.
Jailie Rodd paced the Lady Dragons’ attack with nine kills and two digs. Macy Wandell added eight kills and three aces, while Claire Barrett and Parker McGhee tallied six kills each. Barrett also had four blocks, and McGhee finished with two. Josie Moody notched 13 assists, seven kills, one block and 14 digs.
Defensively, Maggie Turbyville recorded 13 digs, and freshman Alaina Staudenmaier had 11 digs and nine assists in her high school debut.
The following night told a different story as Clinton saw its long District 3-AAA winning streak snapped in a five-set loss to Central, 16-25, 25-19, 25-21, 19-25, 16-14.
“Central played hard. They were hustling and they’re well-coached. Painful lessons are important in life so you don’t do it again,” Johnson said.
Moody posted a triple-double with 19 kills, 18 assists and 16 digs. McGhee added 17 kills, three blocks and an ace. Wandell had five kills and nine digs, while Rodd finished with 19 digs and three kills. Turbyville contributed 11 digs.
The Lady Dragons dropped another district match Thursday, falling to Anderson County 25-21, 25-22, 25-21.
Clinton closed the week at the Showdown at the Sunsphere, where it picked up wins over Ensworth and Jonesboro but fell to Nolensville and Ravenwood.
