Lady Bears split two district games

AVERY — The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears recently played in two district games. They would lose their first game to the Avery Lady Bulldogs in four sets, but would win their next against the Union Hill Lady Bulldogs in three sets. These results currently have the Bears at 3-1 in district play.

For their first game, the Lady Bears traveled to Avery Friday, Oct.14 to take on the Avery Lady Bulldogs. That game would end in a four-set loss. T

he first set would be back and forth battle, as both teams fought hard for the early control. Avery would grab the early lead by winning the first set 25-19.

The second set would still be a battle, as both teams continued to play well. The Lady Bears would tie the game by winning the second set 25-18.

The third set would see Avery step up their game, while the Lady Bears struggled. Avery would reclaim the lead by winning the third set 25-14.

The Lady Bears would fight hard in the fourth set to keep the game going. Unfortunately, their efforts weren’t enough, as Avery won the fourth set 25-21 and won the game.

“I thought we played well on defense, but we struggled a bit to find the open spots. That says a lot about Avery’s defense and their ability to cover the court,” head coach Lacie Jessup said. “The girls played with heart and determination, and we’re excited to face Avert again during out pink out and senior night game Oct. 25”

Kaitlyn Brock would record a double-double with 32 assists and 25 digs, also recording two kills and one ace. Emma Neal also recorded a double- double with 21 digs and 14 kills. Emmalee Lasater had a strong performance with 18 digs, five aces, and one kill.

Taylor Wallis tallied 17 digs and two kills. Madi Collett was a steady presence with 14 digs, five kills, four assists, and one ace. Constance Smith was another steady presence with seven kills, seven digs, two aces, and one block.

Yulisa Castillo finished with eight kills, one assist, and one block. Other contributors include Jasmin Wade with three digs and one kill and Emily Melton with two digs.

A few days later, the Lady Bears traveled to Gilmer to take on the Union Hill Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Bears would avenge their Friday loss by taking down Union Hill in three sets.

The first set would be dominated by the Lady Bears, as they came out ready to play, while Union Hill struggled. The Lady Bears would win the first set 25-9.

The second set would see Union Hill play better, as they scored more points. However, it wasn’t enough to make a difference, as the Lady Bears would win the second set 25-15.

The third set would be a battle, as the Lady Bears fought to end the game, while Union Hill tried to extend the game. In the end, the Lady Bears came out on top once again, winning the third set 25-16 and capping off a sweep.

Brock would come up with 15 assists, five digs, two aces, and one kill. Neal finished with 10 digs and nine kills, coming one kill shy of another double- double. Wallis had a good game with nine digs, five aces, and one kill.

Lasater would finish with seven digs and two aces. Collett tallied six digs, one assist, and one ace. Smith would come up with four kills, three aces, one dig, and one block.

Wade recorded three aces and two digs. Castillo tallied three kills and one dig. Other contributors include Zaylee Peyton with one kill and one dig, Melton with one kill, and Xiomara Escobar with one ace.

With these results, the Lady Bears are now 3-1 in district and 15-15 overall. Their next game will be Friday, when they welcome the Yantis Lady Owls to Sulphur Bluff High School.