Lady Bulldogs work toward playoffs
By Sam Waller
The Moran Lady Bulldogs volleyball team split a pair of matches last week, falling to Rising Star in four sets before sweeping Trent.
The Lady Bulldogs began the second round of District 14-1A play Tuesday, Oct. 18 against Strawn at home. Details will be reported next week.
Moran has two district matches remaining and will play a warmup match against Gustine at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 at home. Details for the team’s bi-district game will be finalized once pairings are announced.
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Lady Bulldogs lost 27-29, 25-20, 23-25, 21-25 at Rising Star. On Saturday, Oct. 15, Moran won 25-19, 25-10, 25-18 at Trent.
Lady Bulldogs coach Jo Hise said she has implemented a different defensive set over the last few matches in preparation for the playoffs.
“We’re working on someone covering the 10-foot line on second hits,” she said. “We’ve really focused on who’s covering which spot and opening up our communication and telling everybody where the players are. We struggled with communication on the court against Rising Star.”
Cross Country
Moran had 11 athletes compete in the District 13-1A cross country meet Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Eula with the varsity girls team finishing fourth with 110 points.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by Emily Murk, who finished 18th in 16 minutes, 46 seconds, and Jayla Bussell, who was 20th in 16:58. Other scoring runners were Alyssa Allred (23rd, 19:54), Alayna Baker (24th, 21:00) and LeAnna Sikes (25th, 24:38). Rounding out the lineup were Terra Thompson (26th, 26:06) and Kacenda Thompkins (27th, 28:03).
In the varsity boys race, Danny O’Keefe placed 18th in 26:42 with Chase Murk 19th in 34:34.
In the junior high girls race, Maekayla Kersey placed 44th in 22:47 with Sarah Mendoza 45th in 23:20.
“Everybody made improvements on their times,” Hise said. “I was very pleased with that.”
