By Stephen Smoot
Coach Rod Cooper’s Wildcats took center stage in Charleston, but his young team’s grit ran up against a Buffalo-Putnam squad loaded with experience.
“The heart and hustle were there,” Coach Cooper said.
The Buffalo-Putnam Bison relied heavily on 5’11 senior Chloe Hale to make big plays at the net and with the serve. Her 7’4 standing reach and quickness allowed her to establish position easily and use her physical advantages. Overall, the Bison excelled at delivering fast moving line drive serves that took a toll on the defense at times.
Charleston Civic Center hosted the tournament and the opening round saw three games held simultaneously. The Wildcats and the Bison battled on center court between two loud groups of opposing fans, giving the team a true taste of a playoff atmosphere.
As senior Arianna Young explained, “it’s been fun. Win or lose, we have all had fun.”
In game one, Pendleton County shot out to an early 4-1 lead. The Wildcats spiked the first serve from Buffalo, then two plays later Allie Cooper set up a Young spike followed by a block from Kate Hedrick.
The Bison edged ahead with a shot to the back line, followed by a powerful Young spike to tie the game at six. Buffalo-Putnam fought to keep the edge, outscoring Pendleton County 8-5 despite spikes by Avery Townsend, Gabrielle DePue, and Young. From there, the Bison stampeded, outscoring the Wildcats 10-5 to close out the first game.
Momentum continued flowing in the wrong direction in the second game as Buffalo-Putnam forged an early lead and never looked back. Cooper and Hedrick both made big plays at the net, but Hale used her height advantage effectively and consistently.
In the third game, the Wildcats poured a strong effort into another fast start with a Young spike giving her team a 5-1 lead. Buffalo-Putnam then surged forward to take a 6-5 lead, but a DePue block and an ace from Jenna Smith set Pendleton County back on top, 7-6. The lead continued to volley between the two teams, with Baylee Beachler scoring on a tap at the net and Hedrick launching a spike.
Coaches Cooper and Madison Day talked about the team’s determination all year and the first half of game three demonstrated that relentlessness, regardless of the obstacles. Lizzie Alt’s serving, assisted by spikes from Townsend and DePue, helped to put her squad on top at 15-13. At that point, however, the Bisons surged again and ended the game on a 12-1 run.
This year, the young Wildcats looked to Young for leadership and big plays. She never failed to provide. Coach Cooper explained that “she will be really hard to replace. She’s special.” He added that it would take a player a lot of time and practice to fill her shoes.
Part of Young’s legacy comes in the culture of team first. “We’ve developed a lot of teamwork and character,” she said. Young added that “we were together all the time and never leave anyone out.”
Young’s favorite memories also revolved around team. She said she enjoyed most going with the team to the state tournament and “senior night. I was rolled out in a wheelchair!” Her advice to her teammates for next year? “Trust Rod Cooper and Maddie Day. Do everything they say.”
Buffalo-Putnam went on to dominate Ritchie County in the second round, winning three games to one. The Bisons fell three games to nothing against eventual champion Williamstown Yellowjackets. Those Yellowjackets eliminated the Moorefield version three games to none in the second round.
As Coach Cooper looks ahead to next season, he explained “it takes more than one year to be at the caliber of the teams that played here.” With a young and experienced team seasoned by their state tournament appearance, the future of the team looks strong.
