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ATTACK TIME — Jaci Roberson (5) attacks the ball during the Lady Hornets' Regional Quarterfinal game against Penelope Tuesday. Roberson recorded a teamhigh 16 kills while also adding one ace and one dig in the Lady Hornets' four-set victory. PhotobyDJSpencer -
DIGGING DEEP — Anna Culbertson (12) records a dig during the Lady Hornets' game against Penelope Tuesday. Culbertson recorded nine digs and two aces in the Lady Hornets' Regional Quarterfinal victory. Photo by DJ Spencer
Roberson racks up 16 kills
CROSS ROADS — The Miller Grove Lady Hornets earned their sixth straight regional tournament berth with a four-set win over the Penelope Lady Wolverines in their Regional Quarterfinal playoff game at Cross Roads High School. In a game where the Lady Hornets were battle tested at numerous points, they never got flustered and maintained their energy throughout the game, leading to the win.
The first set would see the Lady Hornets get off to a slow start, as the Lady Wolverines jumped out to a 7-1 lead early on. After two quick points from the Lady Hornets, the Lady Wolverines added five straight points to extend their lead to 12-3.
After that, the Lady Hornets began to find their footing, as they would embark on a 13-4 scoring run to tie the set at 16-16. Following a 4-4 exchange extended the tie to 20-20, the Lady Hornets would score the final five points, winning the first set 25-20 and capping off a terrific set comeback.
The second set would once again see the Lady Hornets start off slow, as the Lady Wolverines built a 3-0 lead early on. Though a 4-1 scoring run from the Lady Hornets would tie the score at 4-4, the Lady Wolverines would then score seven straight points to pull ahead 11-4.
After a 5-3 scoring run from the Lady Hornets trimmed the score to 149, the Lady Wolverines scored six straight points to extend their lead to 209. Though the Lady Hornets responded with seven straight points to pull within 20-16, the Lady Wolverines scored the final five points of the set, winning 25-16 and evening the score at 1-1.
The third set finally saw the Lady Hornets open up to a fast start, as they built a commanding 8-0 lead. After a 3-1 scoring run from the Lady Wolverines made the score 9-3, the Lady Hornets would embark on a 7-1 scoring run to extend their lead to 16-4.
Following a 6-3 scoring run from the Lady Wolverines that brought the score to 20-10, the Lady Hornets closed out the set with a 5-3 scoring run, winning the third set 25-13 and taking a 2-1 lead.
The fourth set opened up with a 5-5 tie early on. After Penelope scored two controversial points, head coach Dalton Herndon was issued a yellow card trying to dispute the call. This was followed by the Lady Hornets going on a 6-4 scoring run to even the score at 11-11.
From there, the Lady Hornets would go on a 7-3 scoring run to take an 18-14 lead. The Lady Wolverines wouldn’t stop fighting, however, as they would respond with an 8-4 scoring run to tie the set at 22-22. But from there, the Lady Hornets would score the final three points of the game, winning the fourth set 25-22 and capping off a four-set victory.
Jamilyn Hensley played a key role in the win with 29 assists, five aces, and two kills. Jaci Roberson was an important offensive presence with 16 kills, one ace, and one dig. Aleah Sotelo also had double-digit kills with 11, also adding two blocks.
Anna Culbertson and Hannah Nalls both had matching stat lines of nine digs and two aces each. Arean Wood would also have a solid night with eight kills and two digs. Other contributors include Madison Hernandez with three digs and Alaira Serrano with one kill and one ace.
With this win, the Lady Hornets improved to 20-16 on the season and advanced to the Regional Tournament. This marks the sixth year in the row that the Lady Hornets have made the Regional Tournament.
The Lady Hornets will face the Saint Jo Lady Panthers in the Regional Semifinals. The game is Friday, 7 p.m. at the Billingsley Field House in Fort Worth.