https://www.newsandsentinel.com/sports/local-sports/2024/10/ravenswood-volleyball-wins-first-ever-lkc-title/

RAVENSWOOD — Macy Casto’s kill put the finishing touches on an historic moment for the Ravenswood volleyball program Saturday.

The Ravenswood volleyball team celebrates after winning the LKC championship Saturday. (Photo Provided)

RAVENSWOOD — Macy Casto’s kill put the finishing touches on an historic moment for the Ravenswood volleyball program Saturday.

The Red Devils went 3-0 in pool play of the LKC Tournament to advance to the championship match against Tyler Consolidated, who they defeated in two sets to claim the team’s first ever LKC championship. RHS had played in the LKC Championship twice before but came up short both times.

“It was a pretty surreal thing in the moment,” said Ravenswood head coach Chris Michael. “I’m really happy for our program and pleased for our kids and coaches. We’ve worked really hard to get here.”

The LKC Tournament was divided into two divisions — the top eight teams played in the gold division at Ravenswood while the other eight teams played in the silver division at St. Marys. Ravenswood opened the day with a two-set victory over South Harrison (25-22, 25-16). Next, the Red Devils took on Clay County. After winning set one 25-18, the Red Devils 25-22 in the second set. Tied up at 7-all in the third set, something clicked for Ravenswood.

“I don’t know what it was,” Michael said, “but our game all of a sudden elevated.”

Ravenswood outscored Clay 8-1 the rest of the way for a 15-8 win to advance to the final pool match against Williamstown.

The Red Devils beat the ‘Jackets 25-19 in the first set before Williamstown dominated the second set 25-11. The third set went back and forth. With a 17-point cap, Ravenswood took down the Yellowjackets 17-16 to move on the championship.

“That second set Williamstown got on us,” Michael said. “The third set was a battle, and I’m proud of our kids for being able to make big plays under pressure moments. That’s a testament to their mental toughness to win against a team that’s had our number.”

The Red Devils displayed their resiliency in the finals as they dug themselves a 9-1 hole against the Silver Knights. They rallied to get back in it and eventually won the first set 25-22. A 25-20 victory in the second set secured the hardware.

“I’ve coached several teams that would’ve folded in that first set,” Michael said. “This team is resilient. There just aren’t a lot of teams that continue to fight in those situations. I give the kids a lot of credit for not packing it in that first set.”

Casto finished with eight kills and four aces in the championship, but it was her sister Anna Casto who led the way with 11 kills and 17 digs. Holliday Burrows and Peyton Mellinger had three blocks apiece while setter Annie Starcher tallied 23 assists.

“Our schedule prepared us for today,” Michael said. “We have 15 wins over teams ranked in the top 10 of their class. I thought it was pretty awesome our kids beat two top-eight teams within a couple hours today.”

Williamstown beat Gilmer (25-20, 25-18) for third place, Clay knocked off Doddridge (25-13, 25-23) for fifth place and Ritchie County bested South Harrison (25-22, 27-26) in the seventh-place match.