BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County senior soccer players Kirsten Wells and Hannah Robinson played their last home volleyball game Oct. 10 against Tug Valley.
The two were honored during a senior night ceremony. Their families took the floor with them as the team presented them with gifts. Two teammates read wishes and goodbyes that the seniors had written out for their fellow players.
“It’s really emotional for me because I won’t get to play again,” Robinson said. “We played good tonight, and we’ll work this week on getting ready for the district tournament. I’m just sad because I love playing.”
Wells has been a leader on the court.
“We just played our last home game,” Wells said. “I feel like we went all out and left it all on the floor. We all hustled, we were moving and our effort was there.”
The team had early leads but could not hang on as they fell to Tug Valley (25-14, 25-16, 25-10).
Martin County coach Katie Patrick is a Sheldon Clark volleyball alumnus and can relate to what the girls were feeling.
“I’m especially nostalgic because 10 years ago tonight was my senior night,” Patrick said. “I can remember how it felt and can empathize with them.”
This is Patrick’s first group of seniors.
“That makes them extra special to me,” said the coach. “I’ve seen them do so well this season. Hannah has come into her own these past few games. She plays with a lot of heart. She gives it her all. She’s blossomed as a player. She is on track to be in the top 2 of the graduating class. I’m confident wherever she goes, she will be successful.”
Coach Patrick said Wells is “so positive” and has a great outlook on life.
“She’s all-around a big person with a big heart,” said Patrick. “Both are well-rounded and down-to-earth. They’re kind to everyone. They love the game and especially love their teammates.”
A lot of the games they played this season were close to wins. It’s a young squad, so Coach Patrick has a bright future.
Wells had five digs, four kills, and two aces on her senior night. Robinson finished with a block, two digs, two assists and three kills.
Sarah Keener, the libero, had an ace, six digs, three assists and three kills; Chloe Alley had two kills and an assist; Hallee Preece had a kill and a dig; Marlee Grayson had an ace, a block, an assist, two kills and a dig; Raegan Horn added two assists and a kill; Addison Kerr pitched in with two kills and an assist; Kristen Preece recorded an ace at serving and an assist.
The team was scheduled to play Paintsville in the first round of the district tournament Monday. Details weren’t available at press release.