The Soddy Daisy Lady Trojans had an outstanding volleyball season a year ago when they finished third in the state, but with some of  their better players graduating, folks knew that it would be tough for a repeat.

It has been a learning experience for coach Lorri Johnson and her Lady Trojans, but they keep battling and good things are starting to happen for them.

For instance, Soddy Daisy went to Bradley for a match with the Bradley Bearettes, a team that was leading District 5-AAA just a few days ago.

Following Soddy Daisy's 3-1 victory at Jim Smiddy Arena on Thursday, the Bearettes now share first place with Ooltewah and Soddy Daisy.  All are now 8-3.

The Lady Trojans won the first two sets by scores of 25-14 and 25-21 before the Bearettes got on the board with a 25-23 win in the third set.  Refusing to let Bradley have any more momentum, Soddy Daisy then finished off the match with a 25-23 victory in the fourth set, improving to 29-17 overall.

Alex Schafer had a big day for Soddy Daisy with 26 digs and 21 kills while Hannah Robertson and Lauren Smith were outstanding with 31 and 30 digs, respectively.

Chloe Mitchell continued her steller play with 36 assists and 19 digs.

CENTRAL'S LADY POUNDERS stunned the East Hamilton Lady Hurricanes on Thursday at Central in a key District 6-AA match with East Hamilton winning the first set in relative ease by a 25-12 score before Central came storming back to win the last three by scores of 25-11, 25-19 and 25-22.

Kylie Scruggs was the leader for East Hamilton with 11 kills and six digs while Emma Lenoir contributed 10 assists, eight kills and eight digs.

East Hamilton is now 23-11 overall.

SODDY DAISY STATS:

Alex Schafer -- 26 digs, 1 block, 21 kills, 1 ace;

Laura Jenkins -- 4 kills, 2 blocks, 8 kills;

Rachel Hargis -- 23 digs, 1 kill, 1 ace;

Haley Reynolds -- 4 digs, 5 blocks, 6 kills;

Hannah Robertson -- 31 digs, 2 aces;

Chloe Mitchell -- 19 digs, 1 kill, 1 ace, 36 assists;

Lauren Smith -- 30 digs, 2 blocks, 5 kills;

Karigan Fulghum -- 3 digs, 5 kills;

Emily Edwards -- 2 digs.

EAST HAMILTON STATS:

Kylie Scruggs -- 11 kills, 6 digs, 2 aces, 1.5 blocks;

Emma Lenoir -- 8 kills, 8 digs, 10 assists, 3 aces, 1 block;

Morgan Phillips -- 10 digs;

Emily Clemmons -- 13 digs, 3 aces;

Sydney Harris -- 7 digs, 11 assists;

Kennedy Fager -- 1 kill, 1 dig, 2 blocks;

Briley Considine -- 1 kill, 2 digs, 1.5 blocks;

Tori Pierce -- 1 kill, 1 dig;

Meredith Stout -- .5 blocks.

(Email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@comcast.net)