Lady Lions wrap up strong first half of district play

The Albany Lady Lions turned in one of their best performances of the season Tuesday night, defeating Colorado City in four sets—25-20, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23—to close out the first half of district competition.

Coach MJ Reneau said the win was one of the team’s most complete games of the year, as every part of their play came together on the court.

“Our serving, passing, hitting—everything came together,” Reneau said. “Even in the set we lost, it wasn’t from a lack of focus or effort. It was just a tough, close game.”

The Lady Lions came out strong in the opening sets to establish early momentum, which Reneau said helped them stay composed in the later stages. “Having those two sets under our belt going into the third was huge for us,” she said. “The girls stayed confident and calm, even when Colorado City pushed back.”

Reneau added that the match showed how much the team has grown over the first half of district play. “You can see the difference in how they respond to pressure now,” she said. “They’re not rattled—they’re focused and ready for whatever comes next.”

With the victory, Albany improved to 3–1 in district, sitting second behind Hawley (4–0). The first half of district play saw the Lady Lions on the road for three of their four matches, while the second half will bring three of the final four to the friendly confines of the Lions’ Den.

If the Lady Lions win all their remaining games except against Hawley, they’ll finish as district runner-up. If Albany defeats Hawley, the two teams would share the district title. However, if Hawley drops another match and Albany wins out—including a victory over Hawley—the Lady Lions would claim the outright district championship.

“If we take care of business at home, we’ll be in a great position,” Reneau said. “We still have to travel to Hawley, but we feel good about how we’re playing.”

Albany will return to the court Monday, October 14, for its annual Pink Out Game against Roscoe. All proceeds from the concession stand and direct donations that evening will go toward medical expenses for Bobbie Hutchinson, a former Albany athlete and daughter of longtime coach Paul Johnston, who is currently undergoing cancer treatments.

Adding to the evening’s festivities, Albany fifth- and sixth-graders will perform a jump rope routine between the JV and varsity matches