Dragons, Wildcats go five in rivalry clash
Clinton libero Jailie Rodd sprawls out for a clutch dig as defensive specialist Maggie Turbyville slides in for backup during the Lady Dragons’ five-set thriller against Oak Ridge. Clinton secured a 3-2 victory, keeping rallies alive with relentless defense. (photo:Tony Cox )
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Lady Dragons closed out the first half of their league schedule by edging Oak Ridge in five sets at Wildcat Arena. Clinton prevailed 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, 15-13.
For Lady Dragons Coach Lorri Johnson, the victory came against her former assistant, Meghan Ellis, now in her first season leading the Lady Wildcats.
Senior Josie Moody paced Clinton with 19 kills, 18 assists, 13 digs and two blocks. Parker McGhee added 14 kills and three blocks. Freshman Claire Barrett contributed six kills and three blocks, while fellow freshman Alaina Stoudenmaier notched 21 assists and 16 digs.
Two nights later, Clinton dropped another five-setter, this time to Knoxville Central at home, falling 20-25, 25-14, 25-20, 26-28, 15-13.
“Central is the team that keeps winning in five,” Johnson said after the Lady Bobcats completed a regular-season sweep of Clinton. “They’re an experienced team and their lineup is pretty much set. We’re still looking at our lineup, and we’re still working through some growing pains. We went to Chattanooga for a tournament and I used several different combinations.”
Clinton went 1-4 at that Chattanooga event.
“I’m not worried about that,” Johnson said. “Our younger kids are getting better and continuing to grow.”
Against Central, Macy Wandell had 11 kills, 15 digs and five aces. Moody added 14 kills, 19 digs and a block.
