Lady Lions prepare for area game

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions made the most of a home court advantage last week, clinching the District 6-2A volleyball championship  on Oct. 19 by sweeping Hawley for the second time this season. They then began preparing for the playoffs by beating Hico on Saturday.

“We are excited to be district champions,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said. “Now we are looking forward to our playoff run.”

Albany wrapped up the regular season on Tuesday against Strawn. The match was Senior Night for the Lady Lions, with the team’s seniors and their parents being introduced before the game. 

Albany won the game in ffour sets, 24-26, 25-15, 25-22, 27-25, with details of the match to be reported next week.

The Lady Lions improved to 29-3 overall and 4-0 in district with last week’s results. Albany also moved up a spot to No. 9 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 2A rankings.

Albany, which will have a bye through the bi-district round of the playoffs, has two more warmup matches scheduled. The Lady Lions will visit Tolar at noon Saturday, then play Blum at 5:00 p.m. Monday in Dublin.

The Lady Lions’ area playoff will be against Colorado City at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at Jim Ned High School in Tuscola. The winner of that match will play the winner between Coleman and Quanah in the regional quarterfinals on Nov. 8 or 9 at a time and place to be determined.

Last Week’s Games

Against Hawley, Albany scored a 25-14, 31-29, 25-18 victory.

“The girls showed some real grit in the second set and came out on top,” Reneau said. “Every single player played with confidence and looked strong. I thought our defense covered the floor, and we won some very long rallies.”

albany VS. Hawley

PLAYER Serves Aces Kills Digs Blks Asst

R. Lucas 10 2 - 3 - -

G. Price - - 1 1 - -

A. Garcia 8 1 3 11 - -

S. Cotter 14 5 14 12 1 2

P. Green - - - 1 - -

S. Cormack - - - 1 - -

A. Holson - - - 1 - 13

T. Brown 11 2 9 9 - -

K. Roberson 8 2 5 2 - -

A. Hale 20 2 - 7 - 11

On Saturday, the Lady Lions defeated Hico 25-14, 25-14, 25-14.

“We took advantage and attacked almost every attempt we had,” Reneau said. “We showed a very strong offense.”

albany VS. HICO

PLAYER Serves Aces Kills Digs Blks Asst

R. Lucas 33 4 - 3 - 1

G. Price - - - 4 - -

A. Garcia 9 - 2 10 - -

S. Cotter 7 4 22 6 3 -

L. Chavez 1 - - 1 - -

P. Green - - - 3 - -

A. Holson 7 1 - 5 - 26

T. Brown 4 1 2 5 - -

K. Roberson 4 1 3 2 - -

Junior Varsity

Albany’s JV2 team dropped a close match against Hawley on Oct. 18 in the only junior varsity match of the week.

Saturday’s JV1 match at Rising Star and the JV2’s home match against Hico were both cancelled. 

JV1 wrapped up its season Tuesday against Strawn, with the results to be reported next week.

Against Hawley, the JV2 lost 26-24, 23-25, 22-25.

“It was a tough fight, but the girls fell short,” coach Jamie Wilson said. “The score was close the entire game, and the girls kept a very poised demeanor and never lost their heads. Avery Everitt did a fantastic job serving, and Cambree Clegg also had several aces.”