BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — After a period of rebuilding, the Martin County High School volleyball program believes its time has come. Head coach Krista Runyon is confident her team is ready to contend for a 57th District championship as the Lady Cardinals open their 2025 season Aug. 19 at Belfry.
“We have been rebuilding our program for three years and have seen such incredible gains,” Runyon said. “The girls have worked hard during practice times and even on their own to improve. We are so eager for the district title, and I think I can speak for us all when I say that’s our main focus for the season.”
Martin County finished with one of its best records in years last season and returns a veteran core led by nine seniors: Hallee Preece, Reagan Horn, Chloe May, Haley Robinson, Addison Kerr, Adalynn Maynard, Bailey Parsons, Bella Muncy and Kristin Preece. The elder group of Lady Cards will provide depth and leadership.
The Lady Cardinals face an early-season test in their home opener against Paintsville on Aug. 21. Other key matchups include games versus Betsy Layne on Aug. 24 and Tug Valley on Aug. 25.
The squad will play at Paintsville in the All ‘A’ Classic on Aug. 24.
Runyon highlighted the leadership of her upperclassmen, saying, “I have seen incredible leadership from my seniors, specifically Horn, Preece, Maynard and junior Chloe Jude. They’ve set the tone for the team.”
Martin County begins September with a district matchup at Magoffin on the 2nd before hosting the Hornets two nights later.
The Ladies travel to Pike Central the following Monday and June Buchanan the next night.
On Sept. 15 they host East Ridge before traveling to Belfry and Betsy Layne that week.
The following week sees the team play in a tri-match against Tug Valley and St. Joe with a Boyd County game Sept. 25.
They finish the month at Paintsville.
October starts at East Ridge before returning home to host June Buchanan on Oct. 6.
The final week of the regular season has Pike Central and Tolsia before the 57th District tournament begins on Oct. 20.
“My expectation for this year is to have another winning season and to get at least two players college offers,” Runyon said. “I would be over the moon to have more. I love these girls and cannot wait to see what this season holds.”