Court Queens Finish Season in Royal Fashion with Undefeated District Records
The Montague Lady Eagles Court Queens ended their volleyball season in royal fashion as both the A and B teams traveled to Saint Jo and closed out district play undefeated. After a season filled with hard work, determination, and impressive performances, the Lady Eagles saved some of their best volleyball for last.
The A Team's final match was nothing short of thrilling, as the Lady Eagles battled through three hard-fought sets to defeat Saint Jo 25-20, 13-25, 15-10. With the match coming down to the wire, the Lady Eagles showed tremendous heart and teamwork to secure the victory and complete a perfect district season.
With six-rotation setter Kynzlea Rios out, sixth-grade setter Autry Jennings was called upon to step into a major role. Jennings rose to the occasion, dishing out a personal-record 12 assists and helping lead the Lady Eagle offense.
Montague turned in an outstanding performance from the service line, serving an impressive 90 percent as a team. Sage Keck, Molly Romine, Autry Jennings, Carley Richardson, and Braizlynn Hutto each served a perfect 100 percent, while Cayde Harris led the team with four aces.
Although the Lady Eagles faced some challenges in serve receive, their defense was on fire. Eighth grader Sage Keck delivered a record-breaking performance in her final game as a Lady Eagle, breaking her own school record with an incredible 33 digs. Kenzi McEwen also stepped up defensively, recording a personal-best five digs.
Offensively, Harris set the pace with seven kills, while Finleigh Travis and Courtney Bobbitt contributed three kills apiece. The victory was a true team effort, with every Lady Eagle playing a part in the exciting season finale.
The A Team finished its season with an impressive 12-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 district record.
While the Lady Eagles will graduate seven outstanding eighth graders who have helped build a strong foundation for the program, the future of Montague volleyball looks incredibly bright as the Lady Eagle B Team completed a perfect 7-0 season, defeating Saint Jo in straight sets, 25-15, 25-13, to finish the year undefeated.
Corrie Contreras led the way from the service line with six aces while serving 93 percent. Addi Duncan and Braizlynn Hutto each recorded perfect 100 percent serving performances, while Carlee Belcher added two aces.
Defensively, Hutto led the team with five digs. Belcher turned in an impressive all-around performance with three assists and four kills, while Annabelle Spooner and Jasie Moore contributed three kills each. The B Team's undefeated season is a testament to the depth of talent in the Lady Eagle volleyball program and provides plenty of excitement for the seasons ahead.
While the Lady Eagles have plenty to celebrate on the court, this season was about much more than wins and losses. Following the tragic loss of fellow Montague Eagle Cutter Garrett, the Lady Eagles dedicated the remainder of their season to his memory. The girls wore green ribbons, chanted his name during games, and found ways to honor him each time they stepped onto the court. Through their actions, they demonstrated what it truly means to be a team and a family, playing not only for each other but for someone who will forever be part of the Eagle family. They carried his memory with them through every serve, every point, and every victory, reminding everyone of the meaning behind LLCG — Love Like Cutter Garrett.
With both teams finishing undefeated in district competition, the Court Queens have plenty to celebrate. From record-breaking performances and personal bests to hard-fought victories and outstanding teamwork, this season was one to remember. However, it will be remembered for far more than two undefeated district records. The Lady Eagles demonstrated tremendous strength, unity, and love for their Eagle family during an incredibly difficult time. While the volleyball season may have come to an end, the memories made, the bonds strengthened, and the love they showed for their fellow Eagle will last far beyond the final whistle.
The Lady Eagles will now turn their attention to basketball, opening their season on November 12 as they host Midway.