ADDISON, Ala. – The Addison Lady Bulldogs hosted the Saint Bernard Lady Saints on Senior Night and Addison came away with a three-set victory, 25-20, 25-17 and 25-18. Addison has already won the region championship and is now preparing for the Winston County Tournament that starts on Saturday.
Addison started out the first set by jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. The Lady Saints, who looked markedly improved from earlier in the year, came back with three points of their own. Both teams played fairly evenly and with the score standing at Addison 10-8, The Lady Bulldogs, led by the serve of Bailee Ory went on a 5-point run to take a 15-8 lead. The Lady Saints answered right back by playing excellent defense and getting some timely hitting to cut the lead to 18-17. Addison, showing their championship mettle, finished the set on a 7 out of 10 run to take the first set, 25-20. Addison senior, Hadley Butler served for 3 of those 7 points.
Saint Bernard started the second set playing strongly and actually held a 5-4 lead early on. Addison, led by Butler’s serve, took the Lady Bulldogs on a 7-point run for a 11-5 lead. With the score standing at 13-7 Lady Bulldogs, Miss Ory served her way to 5 straight points and the Lady Bulldogs led 18-7 and it looked like Addison would put this set away. During this Lady Bulldog run, Miss Lauryn Cunningham made one of the best defensive plays anyone could make as she almost went into the stands to save the ball and pass the ball to a teammate. Addison would eventually win the point. The Lady Saints then took 5 of the next 7 points to show that they were not going away and cut the lead to 20-12. Saint Bernard continued playing well and cut the lead to 23-17. Addison again, was able to get the final 2 points for the hard fought 25-17.
The Lady Bulldogs started off the third set like they were ready to get Senior Night rolling. Addison led 12-2 and did it with ease. With Dacey Baker, Lauryn Cunningham and Katie Barrett dominating the net and with Butler and Barrett serving, they looked to wrap up the game quickly. Once again, the Lady Saints refused to quit and won 8 of the next 12 points to pull within 16-10. Addison reestablished their dominance with a short burst, led by Barrett’s serve to go up 24-12. But on this evening, you could count on the ladies from Saint Bernard to not go away quietly. The Lady Saints went on a 6-0 run to pull with 24-18. Addison finally was able to capture the final point to wrap up the set and match victory, 25-18.
Official stats for seniors
Kills were Baker with 12 and Butler with 5. Digs were Butler with 12, Ory with 11, Baker with 5, Emma Willingham 2. Aces were Butler with 7 and Ory with 4. Blocks were Baker with 3.
Senior Night began with Addison Head Coach Kaydi Woodard presenting several career milestone balls to some players. Senior Bailee Ory was presented with her 1,000-dig ball. Senior Dacey Baker was presented with her 1,000-kill ball. Senior Hadley Butler was presented with her 1,000-dig and 1,000-assist ball.
Coach Woodard became very emotional as she spoke about her seniors and all that they have contributed to the program. The seniors who have played four seasons, 2020-2023, have won three consecutive state championships and have an opportunity for a fourth as they are the prohibited class 1A favorite to win it all this year. The Seniors have one title in 1A (2022) and two in 2A (2021 & 2020).
Senior Bailee Ory, parents Kim and Bill Ory, played varsity volleyball for 4 years. Ory stated that the thing she will miss most about volleyball,
“I will miss my teammates and the comradery that we shared. The team sleepovers even the early morning practices. You knew that you could count on the girl next to you. These are the memories that mean the most to me.”
Senior Dacey Baker, parents Demicca and Jason Baker, played varsity volleyball for 4 years. Baker, when asked what makes Addison volleyball so special stated,
“It is the tradition. There is a lot of pressure to uphold and improve on it. No one wants to be the one to fail and let the school down. Even though the pressure is there you also have tremendous support from the school, parents, fans and community to help you maintain.”
Senior Hadley Butler, parents Lori and Danny Butler, played varsity volleyball for 4 years. Butler stated that Addison volleyball has taught her about leadership.
“I learned about being a leader and learning what kind of leader you are. Leadership comes in all forms, from being very vocal to being more of a lead by example person. A team needs players that others can look up to and turn to when things start heading south. It also helped me see the value of hardwork. I mean my parents are the ultimate example to me of hard work, which went hand in hand with what Coach Woodard preached to us.”
Senior Emma Willingham, parents Judy and Theo Willingham, played varsity volleyball for two years.
“Loved playing with all my teammates, the pranks that we pulled on each other. Through the ups and downs, the state championships that we won; we were always there for each other. Absolutely, will miss all our team bonding moments that helped us grow as players and as young women.”
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