Lady Bulldogs earn historic bi-district title

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs made history last week before bowing out of the Class 1A volleyball playoffs.

Moran defeated Three Way 25-18, 25-18, 25-22 on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in a bi-district match at Dublin. It was the first bi-district title  in program history and the first playoff win for the school in any team sport since a 70-46 bi-district football victory over Valera Panther Creek in 2017.

“I’m hoping this motivates our freshman to want it more,” Lady Bulldogs coach Jo Hise said. “Sometimes when you get that taste, it tastes pretty good. You want to keep working for it.”

The Lady Bulldogs lose four seniors in Alayna Baker, Alyssa Allred, Alli Scott, and Emily Murk. Freshmen LeAnna Sikes, Jayla Bussell and Kacenda Thompkins along with junior Vivi Green made up the rest of the roster.

Moran was eliminated in the area round Saturday, Nov. 5, with a 4-25, 12-25, 9-25 loss to Rochelle, finishing the season at 5-17.

While Moran was assured of making the playoffs for the first time since 2018 with just three teams competing in District 14-1A, the Lady Bulldogs secured the district’s second playoff seed by beating Rising Star twice, including a five-set decision in a seeding match played Friday, Oct. 28.

“That was a big achievement for the program, especially meshing two completely different groups – the freshmen and seniors,” Hise said. “Them being able to come together and work for a common goal was a huge success.”