Garrard County’s impressive tournament run came to a disappointing end Thursday night, as Boyle County swept them 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-5) to claim the 45th District Championship at Lincoln County. Despite Garrard’s determined effort, Boyle’s firepower proved too much to handle as the Rebels executed a near-flawless game plan.

From the outset, Boyle County established control. Led by their top scorer, Charli Grubbs, who has been dominant all season, Boyle overpowered Garrard at the net. Grubbs racked up kills early and often, while Kendra Christopher added to the offensive barrage, putting Garrard’s defense on their heels. The first set saw Boyle surge ahead with a 25-13 win, never allowing Garrard to find their rhythm.

The second set was more competitive, with Garrard showing resilience. McKenzie Martin continued to be a focal point for Garrard’s attack, while setter Hannah Fuller worked hard to create opportunities for her teammates. Garrard stayed close in this set, battling back from several deficits, but ultimately Boyle's consistency and strong defense, anchored by Maya Smith’s digging prowess, proved too much. Boyle edged out Garrard 25-20 in the second set to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

In the final set, Boyle County left no doubt, delivering a dominant 25-5 performance to seal the victory and the district title. Garrard’s offense struggled to break through Boyle’s blocks and defensive formations, while the Rebels continued to fire on all cylinders, led by Grubbs and Christopher. The final set was a clear reflection of Boyle’s dominance throughout the match.

For Garrard County, it was a tough way to end a tournament where they had previously shown great determination, especially in their thrilling five-set semifinal victory over Danville Christian earlier in the week​. Despite the loss, standout performances from Martin, Fuller, and Combs throughout the tournament highlight the potential of this team moving forward into the regional tournament.

Boyle County, ranked among the top teams in the 12th region, showcased why they are a team to watch heading into the regional tournament. Their balanced attack, solid defense, and ability to control matches from the service line made them deserving champions of the 45th District.