Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

Opening the season against your chief rival is special. Opening with a win over your chief rival is even better.
There is a strong but respectful rivalry between Ironton and Portsmouth regardless of the sport and the Lady Fighting Tigers opened their volleyball season on Wednesday with a key win over the Lady Trojans.
Ironton got an array of contributions as they edged Portsmouith 25-19, 22-25, 25-14, 22-25 and 18-16 in an Ohio Valley Conference game.
“The team gave a balanced effort,” said Ironton head coach Beth Campbell.
Lydia Hannan showed no ill effects of a knee injury last season as she racked up 25 points for Ironton. Mary Beth Burton had 12 points, Peighton Rowe six and M’Kenzie McMaster five.
Rowe and Kameren Arden shared the setting duties with Rowe getting 19 assists and Arden 10.
McMaster pace the Lady Tigers with 13 kills. Burton had seven, Hannan six and Riley Schreck four.
McMaster and Burton combined for 10 blocks to aid the defense. Also, getting some big defensive numbers were Rowe with 11 digs and both Schreck and Williams nine each.
Portsmouth was led by Savanna Spence with 14 points, Madison Perry had 13 and Kathryn Davis added 10.
Ironton fell in the reserve match 18-25, 26-24 and 18-25.
Keegan Moore and Kaylee Blankenship scored eight points each, Kayleigh Collins six and Devin Forest five for Ironton.
The Lady Tigers visit Fairview, Ky., at 6 p.m. on Monday.