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Although the volleyball season came to a close for the GCA Lady Cougars after a loss in the GIAA State Tournament Semifinals, the Lady Cougars were still making the Bainbridge community proud as three seniors were selected to participate in the GIAA All-Star Game on Saturday. Mallorie Jordan, Lauran Roberts and Katherine Griffin were the three elected as All-Stars as they had the opportunity to travel to Newman and participate in the All-Star game. 

Lady Cougars Head Coach Kelsey Harrell was also coaching at the All-Star game as she led the Lady Cougars to an impressive 17 win season and a deep playoff run. Nonetheless, Harrell is extremely proud of her players and emphasized the impact that her All-Stars make. 

“These girls have worked their tails off and have competed since the summer,” said Harrell. “I was especially impressed at the way that the girls were able to form bonds and relationships that will last off the volleyball court. The leadership that they have developed is really special to see as a coach.”

For the three All-Stars selected, the 2022 regular season was one to remember as they filled the stat and led the Lady Cougars to one of their best seasons in recent memory. Senior Mallorie Jordan led the team in digs with 260 and kills with 166. Jordan was a force every game both offensively and defensively as she averaged 2.1 kills per set and a .211 hitting percentage. 

One season highlight for Jordan came in the September tournament as she was the energy and leader that the Cougars needed as they came out of the tournament with a 4-1 record. 

“Mallorie played outstanding that weekend,” said Harrell. “She was the one who gave our team energy on our side of the net. She led the team with 21 kills and 68 digs.”

The second GCA Lady Cougar senior Katherine Griffin finished the season as not only one of the Lady Cougars strongest players, but one of their leaders as well. Griffin is the “big sister” to a lot of the Lady Cougars players and plays with an aggressive edge that is unique. 

Griffin also filled the stat sheet as she led the Lady Cougars in aces with 42, averaging 0.5 aces per set. Griffin also had a tournament to remember as she was a crucial part to the Lady Cougars dominating their first tournament in September. 

“Katherine Griffin played her best volleyball game that weekend,” said Harrell. “She made crucial plays and was very aggressive on the front row. Katherine had 16 kills between the 5 games.”

Lauran Roberts completed the senior trio as she came second in total blocks this season with 40. Roberts was also a force defensively as she accumulated over six kills in over 10 games. 

Roberts’ best game came in the region tournament where she racked up 10 kills and 8 blocks. 

“ Lauran Roberts really stepped up and played incredibly in the tournament,” said Harrell. “She had 10 kills and 8 blocks throughout the day and brought energy to the team that was needed.”