Lady Lions lose at bi-district

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions saw a promising season come to an unexpectedly early end last week with a loss to Sonora in the first round of the Class 2A volleyball playoffs.

Albany finished the season with a 24-8 record and a share of the District 6-2A championship. Postseason hopes were dashed with an 18-25, 22-25, 23-25 loss to the Lady Broncos on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at San Angelo Lake View.

“I’m just really proud of the season in general,” coach M.J. Reneau said. “The playoffs may have been cut short, but that doesn’t take away from everything the girls accomplished in the season.”

Kiana Roberson led Albany with 15 kills against Sonora, while Caroline Holson added eight. Abi Hale recorded 26 assists. Robin Lucas had 24 digs with Hale getting 18 and Roberson 14.

Reneau said the Lady Lions struggled to regain continuity after battling through a string of injuries. Roberson missed four matches during the district schedule, while seniors Gracie Price and Brooke Kayga missed significant time earlier in the season.

“I think Sonora just had a little more experience together in the playoffs as a whole team,” Reneau said. “We had some adversity during the season with injuries. Trying to find that chemistry again in a short time was tough for us.”

In addition to Price and Kayga, the Lady Lions lose Ella Webb to graduation, but return eight players for 2023.

“It sets us up great for next year,” Reneau said. “We’re going to come back more experienced, older, and stronger. We’re looking forward to a really successful season next year.”

ALBANY VS. SONORA

PLAYER Serves Aces Kills Digs Blks Asst

R.Lucas 8 - 1 24 - -

G.Price 14 - - 5 - -

C.Edgar - - - 3 - -

E.Webb - - 4 1 - -

A.Hale 13 4 1 18 - 26

C.Chapman 8 - 1 - - -

C.Holson 9 2 8 4 - -

K.Roberson 4 - 15 14 - -

Bk.Abbate - - - 1 - -