Lady Cubs play in tourney

By Sam Waller

The Albany Junior High volleyball program continued a busy stretch with three teams seeing action between Saturday, Sept. 16 and Monday, Sept. 18.

On Tuesday, Sept. 19, the Red and White teams played at Ranger. Those results will be reported next week.

All three teams begin the second round of the district schedule Monday, Sept. 25 at Abilene Christian. The Silver team will play at 4:30 p.m. with the White and Red teams to follow.

On Saturday, the Red and White teams competed in the Hawley Clear Fork Classic at Abilene Cooper.

“It was a very productive tournament,” coach Lauren Peacock said.

The Red team won the consolation title in the eighth grade bracket, picking up its first two wins of the season.

After losing to Miles 14-25, 13-25, Albany beat Breckenridge 25-19, 25-14, and Ballinger 25-25, 21-25, 15-11.

“We played great volleyball, and the game finally started clicking for us,” Peacock said. “We had some very long rallies, and the girls battled. They were so excited to get their first win, and they were so deserving of it.”

Peacock said several players improved their level of play.

“My middle blockers, Keeley Britting and Finlee Brown, did a great job at the net and started getting their hands on some of the hits and tips,” she said. “Kenzee Roydson had some great attacks for us. Charli Trail, once again, does an exceptional job leading the way and setting the pace for the game.”

Competing in the seventh grade bracket, the White team lost to  Bronte 6-25, 14-25 and Coleman 14-25, 27-25, 11-15.

“The girls played well and fought hard every game,” coach Brad Stautzenberger said. “We played a couple of tough teams but responded well and constantly improved.”

On Monday, the Silver team lost to Woodson 20-25, 27-25, 10-15.

“The girls played a hard-fought three-set match, coming up short,” Peacock said. “They continue to improve and get better every day. Jaelyn Cody and Cayla Green did a solid job passing for us.”