Lady Bulldogs play in Albany tourney

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs volleyball team encountered a rough weekend at the Albany Summer Slam Tournament, dropping four matches.

In Thursday’s pool play, the Lady Bulldogs lost to Breckenridge and Abilene Christian.

“We played a ghost player because I had a girl who was sick,” Lady Bulldogs coach Jo Hise said. “We actually played five-on-six for both of those games.”

Despite the situation, Hise said the team was still able to make progress.

“Our goal for both of those games was to build our volleyball instincts – where’s the ball, let’s go get it, and what do we have to do to get there to get it. I’m really proud of how they built their instincts.”

In Saturday’s Silver Bracket, Moran suffered two-set losses to Lingleville and Ranger.

“Saturday, I wish things had gone better,” Hise said. “We had a full team, and we learned a lot. We’re going to have to designate a second setter and keep communicating with each other, talk to each other, and tell each other where to be on the court.”

Hise said the experience will help the Lady Bulldogs as the prepare for the start of district play.

“We were in it to get used to being on the court again and get everybody some playing time,” she said. “We achieved that goal.”

Moran played at Gustine Tuesday night.