Lady Lions end season in district semifinals

     WELLSTON – The Fairfield Lady Lion volleyball season came to an end Wednesday night at Wellston High School, as they lost in three sets to No. 2 seeded Eastern Meigs in the Division IV SE District Semifinals.

     Eastern Meigs won by scores of 25-5, 25-8 and 25-17.

     The No. 6 seeded Lady Lions end the season at 5-13 overall. The five FHS wins this season included a sectional final win over rival Whiteoak and two wins against Manchester. FHS also defeated Lynchburg-Clay and Peebles

     “It was a good game and good experience for our girls,” Fairfield coach Mary Beth Hodson said. “It was a tough game, but we were facing the five-time district champions. My girls played hard and played well in the game. I am proud of their effort in the game, and for the entire season.”

     Kaley Davis led Fairfield Wednesday in the district semifinal game with nine points.

     “We had a successful season,” Hodson said. “We got a sectional championship (the first for any FHS volleyball team), and the girls played with heart and endurance against Eastern Meigs. This group of girls accomplished something no other Fairfield volleyball team ever did and they should take pride in that.”

    The lone senior this season for FHS was Carlie Stevens.

     “Carlie did well this season. She was a standout in the fact the girls responded well to her. She was a good leader and could just calm everyone down when we needed to,” Hodson said. “She was a strong setter, server and was the leader of the team. She kept the team together.”

     Hodson spoke well of junior Erin Clarkston.

     “Erin was huge when it came to hitting for us this season,” Hodson said. “She got points when we needed them, and was a force to be reckoned with. She was steady on the front row and improved a lot over the season.”

     Another bright spot for the Lady Lions this season was the improvement from the start of the season, until the final match Wednesday night.

     “It was a huge difference from start to finish,” Hodson said. “Our freshmen improved and they competed well in their first varsity season. We have an athletic group of freshmen and sophomores. They are young and very eager to continue to get better. The entire team wanted to bring the volleyball program back, and this year they did that, and exceeded expectations. Like I said before, I am proud of the way the girls played this year.”