Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers showed their age.

The Lady Tigers — replacing virtually their entire lineup — lost their season opener to the Raceland Lady Rams in four sets on Monday, 25-22, 22-25, 14-25 and 23-25.

“My varsity is young and not a lot of experience,” said Ironton coach Beth Campbell. “But the group of girls I have this season work well together. We may have little varsity experience, but the 10-member team has accepted the challenge of what’s asked of them.”

Saige Fields had 11 points — six aces — and nine kills for Ironton while Andi Kratzenberg had six points — eight kills — and nine digs for Ironton. Meghan Taylor added nine points including six aces and Lexi Washington got seven points, eight blocks and nine kills.

“We came out flat and never found a rhythm,” said Campbell. “We lost six seniors from last year’s team including setter Colleen Walker, libero Shannon Walker, middle blocker Tori Klaiber, outside hitter and KCU recruit Sarah Linn, defensive specialist Staci Cochran and Amy McSorley. We basically have to start from scratch. I like the enthusiasm this team brings to the game.”

Also contributing for Ironton were Macy Wise with four blocks, two points and three kills, Maggie Thomas had 26 setting assists and six points and Laken White had a career-high 24 digs.

In the reserve game, Ironton lost 14-25, 20-25. Kaylin Easterling had 11 points, five aces and six kills for Ironton while Jordan Hannan added 13 setting assists and two points.

Ironton hosts Fairland at 5 p.m. Thursday starting with the freshmen match.