By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City won five of its matches to finish as runner-up in the eighth annual Comet Classic at Carlisle County on Saturday.
The Lady Tornadoes, who now stand at 7-1 on the season, beat every team in the field before losing a rematch to the host Comets in the championship round.
UC topped Hickman County in straight sets twice and beat Murray, Fulton City, and CC in pool play.
“I was encouraged with how we played overall on a very long day,” Union City head coach Jessica Graham said. “Obviously, I was a little disappointed to come up short in the championship match, but the experience against some solid teams has me excited as we head into the bulk of our district play after a solid first week of the season.
“I believe the girls are starting to see what they’re capable of, and what areas we need to focus on to become an even better team.”
The Twister girls have a trio of District 13A matches scheduled this week, including at home today against Bradford at 5 p.m. Union City will play at Lake County on Tuesday, and then visit Gibson County in an early-season league showdown on Thursday.
SATURDAY POOL PLAY
UC 25-25, Hickman Co. 13-17
Madie Theobald, who totaled 62 assists in the Lady Tornadoes’ six matches, had 10 of those in UC’s tourney-opening victory.
Gracie Sims and Crickett Washburn had five kills apiece, with Sims also serving half of the winners’ 10 aces.
UC 25-25, Fulton City 9-18
Union City got several players jayvee experience while cruising past the Lady Bulldogs.
Madison Hillin was credited with five aces, and Addison Carr contributed four. Emma Clare Denman was good for three assists, and Kylee McClure had four digs.
UC 25-25, Murray 23-20
The Lady Tornadoes got their first legitimate test in the tournament before finally putting away Murray in a hard-fought match.
Theobald had 11 assists, and Clare Atwill was good for a half-dozen digs. Sims (6), Ca’Lae Ervin (5), and Carr (4) all contributed in the kills department. Sims also was credited with a trio of blocks.
UC 25-18-15, Carlisle Co. 19-25-10
UC was stretched to a third set, but completed pool play with a perfect 4-0 record by defeating CC.
Sims slammed 14 kills, while Theobald dished out 19 assists. Atwill finished with seven digs, while Carr and Washburn had five kills each.
The Lady Tornadoes overcame 39 errors to win.
BRACKET PLAY
UC 25-25, Hickman Co. 19-19
Though tougher the second time around, Union City dispatched Hickman County again to earn a spot in the championship round.
Theobald (12 assists) and Sims (6 kills) led the way for the Twister girls, with Ervin chipping in with five kills.
Carlisle Co. 25-25, UC 11-14
The Lady Tornadoes were done in by 31 errors in the title match, ending the long day with a second-place showing.
Sims had four saves, while Theobald ended up with nine assists and the team’s lone service ace. Carr finished with four kills.