Greene County Middle School Lady Rams Cap Off Stellar Season with Championship Run
Greene County Middle School Lady Rams Cap Off Stellar Season with Championship Run
The Greene County Middle School Lady Rams wrapped up an incredible volleyball season this week, finishing as conference runner-up after an impressive campaign filled with teamwork, growth, and grit.
GCMS, led by head coach Cassidy Turner and assistant coach Jessica Riggs, entered the conference tournament as the No. 2 seed with an overall record of 11–2 and a 10–2 conference record, their only regular-season losses coming against top-ranked Chicod.
The Lady Rams opened tournament play Monday afternoon with a thrilling win over Ayden, securing their spot in the championship match. The team dominated from the first serve, taking the sets 25–14 and 25–15 to punch their ticket to the finals.
Captain Layla Ellison led by example, turning in a powerhouse performance with 5 kills, 7 aces, 2 blocks, and 13 assists. Co-captain Danna Martinez added 5 kills and 3 aces, while Rylee Brady and Stayce Riley chipped in 3 kills each, with Riley also posting 2 key blocks.
From the service line, Kaylee Herrera and Gracie Obriant each contributed multiple aces, while Phoenix Phillipstallied 2 kills to help seal the win. Kinley Hawkins also delivered 2 aces and several critical digs, keeping the Lady Rams’ defense strong throughout the match.
That victory propelled GCMS to the championship game against Chicod on Wednesday at Chicod. The Lady Rams came out strong in the finals, battling fiercely in both sets. Despite falling in straight sets, the match showcased their resilience and skill.
Chicod claimed the championship with set scores of 25–17 and 26–24, but the Lady Rams made them earn every point. GCMS held an 11-point lead in the second set before Chicod rallied back late to edge out the win.
Captain Layla Ellison continued her outstanding play, leading the team in blocks, kills, and aces, while Danna Martinezand Stayce Riley again made major offensive contributions.
“I’m so proud of these girls and how hard they’ve worked all season,” said Coach Turner. “They’ve grown tremendously and showed heart every time they stepped on the court.”
The Lady Rams close their season with an 11–3 overall record, proving themselves as one of the top programs in the conference. Though the championship trophy narrowly slipped away, the journey was a winning one — built on teamwork, determination, and community pride.
