Martin County volleyball begins season

Martin County senior Chloe Jude jumps above the net in volleyball practice Friday. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County High School volleyball opened the 2026 season with a challenging stretch away from home, including four matches in six days.

The Lady Cardinals began the season Aug. 17 at Lawrence County and fell 3-0.

Martin County returned to the road the following night and dropped a 3-0 decision at Floyd Central.

The team then traveled to Pikeville High School on Aug. 22 for the Champion of the Mountains tournament.

Hope Dials hits the floor for a bump during a drill in Friday’s Martin County volleyball practice in Inez. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Martin County opened tournament play against host Pikeville and lost 2-0. The Lady Cards followed with a rematch against Floyd Central and pushed the Jaguars to three sets before falling 2-1.

Despite the 0-4 start, Martin County showed improvement in its second meeting with Floyd Central by taking a set after being swept by the Jaguars four days earlier.

Audrey Vanover attempts to block a hit at the net Aug. 21 during practice in Inez. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

The early-season slate gives the Lady Cards valuable match experience as they continue settling into the 2026 campaign under first-year head coach Kirsten Isaac.

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