Dirk Berta’s Williamsburg Lady Yellow Jacket volleyball team captured its second straight 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament championship after picking up wins over Jackson County, Barbourville, and Harlan in the finals.
“Having won the championship in back to back seasons is a testament to the hard work and dedication the players have showed,” Berta said. “This is a product of teams in the past providing a practice atmosphere of always improving and pushing their limits. This group of players are doing that too and they deserve all the credit. This is huge for the program and for the student athletes.
“We have amazing players,” he added. “We have a great players who didn’t flinch in the face of adversity. I wish we could have gotten all of our players on the all tournament team, but there simply wasn’t enough selections to give everyone. We had players that played all six rotations that earned all tournament honors including Zoie Brown, Grace-Ann Abbott, Lylah Mattingly and Hannah Creekmore. Madison Baird also earned all tournament honors as well as Lorelei Coleman who earned the tournament MVP. It would be unfair if I didn’t mention Abigail Stephens and Allison Creekmore because they deserved all tournament honors but we just didn’t have enough trophies to go around. Also, our bench brought the energy we expect all day. These players include Cassidy Patrick, Heidi Wiles, Karina Nantz, Kylee Nantz and Rebekah Kleinert. This was a total team effort in the truest form.”
Berta’s squad will get a chance to bring a state championship home when they participate in next week’s All “A” State Classic Tournament.
“Our expectation is to continue to advance the program and compete at the state level,” Berta said. “This group of girls earned the right to compete at this level and play for a state championship. That’s exactly what we are going to do, compete for a state championship and to not flinch in the face of adversity.
“I’d also like to add a special thank you to Brian Rooney who donated championship rings to the girls and is our bus driver,” he added. “Thank you to the parents who show their support all the time, and thanks to all who support the girls and the volleyball program. To God be the glory.”
