VOLLEYBALL: Claremore's Doyle suffers fractured elbow, ruled out for state tournament
· Yahoo Sports
Addison Doyle helped Claremore punch its ticket to the Class 5A state volleyball tournament.
She just won't get the chance to play in it.
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The Lady Zebras' senior middle hitter announced Tuesday that a fractured elbow has ended her high school career, delivering a devastating blow to a Claremore team preparing to pursue its first appearance in a state championship match.
Doyle suffered the injury during a team activity last week, after helping the Lady Zebras capture their regional championship with a sweep of Coweta on Oct. 12.
"I didn't think I'd be making this post until next week, but here we are," Doyle wrote on Instagram. "My senior year has sadly come to an end due to a fracture in my elbow, meaning I won't be able to compete at State. My last high school volleyball game ended up being at regionals, and I didn't even know it."
The announcement comes just two days before No. 2 Claremore [28-9] is scheduled to face No. 7 Shawnee [21-15] in the state quarterfinals at 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Noble High School.
It is a significant loss for a team that has relied on Doyle's contributions at the net throughout the season, and her performance in the regional championship offered a reminder of just how important she has been.
Against Coweta, Doyle contributed as both an attacker and blocker, helping the Lady Zebras overwhelm the Lady Tigers in straight sets and secure their fourth consecutive state tournament appearance.
Her ability to produce points in multiple ways made her a valuable complement to Claremore's other offensive weapons, including Emme Baker and Bella Hoisington.
In the third set of the regional championship, Doyle recorded 3 kills and an ace, accounting for four of Claremore's 25 points as the Lady Zebras completed the sweep. She finished the match with 8 kills, 3 aces and a block.
Her contributions helped Claremore generate 59 of its 75 points through its own offensive and defensive plays rather than relying on Coweta errors or violations.
Now, the Lady Zebras must attempt to replicate that production without one of their most experienced front-row players.
Doyle's absence creates a challenge for coach Derek Jackson, who must adjust his lineup at the most important point of the season. Audrey Shaw will take her place.
Losing Doyle means Claremore will have to replace both her offensive production and her ability to disrupt opposing attacks.
The timing makes the injury particularly painful.
Claremore has qualified for four consecutive state tournaments, the longest streak in program history, but has yet to reach the championship match.
This season's bracket offers a favorable opportunity for the Lady Zebras to change that.
Claremore defeated Shawnee twice during the regular season, sweeping the Lady Wolves 2-0 on Aug. 22 before earning a 2-1 victory Sept. 12.
But the Lady Zebras will enter Thursday's rematch without a player who helped them reach this point.
For Doyle, the disappointment extends beyond missing an opportunity to compete for a state championship.
In her announcement, Doyle reflected on the relationships and experiences that made those seasons memorable.
"I'm forever grateful for everything CZVB has given me over the past three years," she wrote. "From countless hours in the Dougie [Doug K. Mosier Athletic Complex] to traveling for tournaments, the memories and friendships I've made will last a lifetime.
"Thank you to Coach Jackson for giving me this opportunity and pushing me to become the athlete I am today, and to Coach Baughman for encouraging me to transfer to Claremore."