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Senior Lydia Drummond serves the ball in earlier action against North Hopkins. Against James Bowie, she had 16 digs. Staff photo by Todd Kleiboer
Sweep James Bowie
SULPHUR BLUFF - The Sulphur Bluff Lady Bears hosted James Bowie Friday, looking to stay undefeated in district play. Sulphur Bluff entered the day ranked No. 21 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association Volleyball Poll which includes both 1A and 2A teams.
Coming into the day as winners of their last 26 consecutive sets, the Lady Bears were looking to keep their impressive streak alive. They opened the game the same way they’ve opened a lot of games, by taking the first set by double-digits. Their 25-15 win in the first set gave them momentum moving forward for the rest of the match.
The second set was the closest one they’ve played in quite some time, coming down to the wire. The Lady Bears proved they can handle adversity, taking the set by a score of 25-21.
The third and final set of the night was even closer, as their impressive 28- set streak was in jeopardy. James Bowie gave Sulphur Bluff everything they had, but the Lady Bears still pulled it out by a score of 25-23, extending their streak to 29 consecutive sets.
Kaitlyn Brock had an outstanding game, racking up 30 assists. Brock also had seven digs, three aces and a pair of kills in the close 3-0 win.
Leading the team in a pair of categories was Skylar Stanley, who lead with 19 kills and six blocks. She also had eight digs and three aces.
Also finishing in double-digit kills was Tori Raine who finished with 10. She also had an impressive 17-dig performance with three aces.
Leading the team defensively was Taylor Wallis, who had 20 digs. Wallis also had four assists and one ace.
Lydia Drummond had a standout showing as well, finishing with 16 digs and three kills. Allie Eason had four digs, two blocks, two kills and one ace, while Dacee Howse had a pair of digs and a pair of kills.
“This was the most exciting match we’ve played in district so far. The girls started off the set with incredible energy,” head coach Lacie Jessup said. “It felt like a playoff game!
“They refused to let the ball hit the floor and they never held back offensively,” Jessup added. “James Bowie is a great team. They made us work for every single point we received. This was the most I’ve seen the girls work as a team and it made for a great game!”
The Lady Bears will look to keep their winning ways going with their Friday match at Avery. The junior varsity is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. with the varsity to follow.
Coverage of their Tuesday match against Detroit will be published in Saturday’s edition of the News-Telegram.