By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

COAL GROVE — It was a case of rising to meet the challenge.

The Coal Grove Lady Hornets faced a tough opponent and proved up to the challenge as they beat the South Point Lady Pointers in an Ohio Valley Conference volleyball game on Thursday, 25-19, 25-18 and 25-23.

“I told the girls (Thursday) night every team you play is out to beat you. They have nothing to lose. You have everything to lose if you don’t go out and play the hardest you have ever played and that is exactly what they did,” said Lady Hornets’ coach Trish Damron.

Gabbie Carpenter scored 16 points and Haley Johnson 15 to key the Lady Hornets’ win.

Johnson also led the team with 14 kills and Cami Hillier converted 35 of 51 assisted sets as Coal Grove improved to 13-1 overall and 8-0 in the OVC.

The Lady Hornets host River Valley at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday in a league match.