-
BIG ATTACK — Senior Rhayne Thomas (14) attacks the ball during the Lady Eagles' game against North Hopkins Tuesday. Thomas racked up four kills in the Lady Eagles' five-set victory Tuesday Photo by Dinh Tran
Force tie for district champions
COMO — The Como-Pickton Lady Eagles picked up a critical win Tuesday, edging out the No. 11 North Hopkins Lady Panthers in a five-set thriller. With the win, the Lady Eagles managed to tie the Lady Panthers for first place in District 12-2A, meaning both teams finish as co-district champions.
It was also senior night for the Lady Eagles, as they honored their two seniors: Addi Monk and Rhayne Thomas.
The first set would be an intense battle, as each team played hard and tough. The Lady Eagles would win the first set 25-19, taking the early lead.
The second set would be more of the same, as each team continued their strong play. The Lady Panthers would win the second set 25-19, tying the score at 1-1.
The third set would see the Lady Panthers take their game to a new level, as the Lady Eagles began to struggle. The Lady Panthers would win the third set 2514, taking a 2-1 lead.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Eagles played even harder in the fourth set, determined not the let the game slip away. The Lady Eagles won the fourth set 25-15, tying the score at 2-2 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
The final set would be a back and forth battle as well, as both teams desperately wanted to win. When the dust settled, the Lady Eagles would come out on top, winning the fifth set 15-11 and pulling off a comeback victory.
Bella Romero would come up with a 29-assist, 26-dig double-double, also tallying four kills. Monk would finish with a 27-kill, 15-dig double-double, adding three aces, three assists, and two blocks.
Maggie Brown was the leader in digs with 38, adding three aces and three assists. Journey Brumley also had double-digit digs with 11.
Maud Poortvliet came away with four digs, three kills, and one block. Thomas tallied four kills. Also contributing to the victory were Sanay Diaz with three digs, Saylor Smith with three digs and two kills, and Sadie Wetzel with three digs and two kills.
With the win, the Lady Eagles finished the regular season at 9-1 in district at 27-11 overall, finishing tied for first place in district alongside the Lady Panthers.
The two teams played again on Friday at Sulphur Springs Middle School to determine playoff seeding. Coverage of the Lady Eagles’ and Lady Panthers’ playoff runs will be published in upcoming editions of the News-Telegram.