Lady Lions win Challengers Bracket
By Donnie A. Lucas
The varsity Lady Lions won a five-game battle against Eastland early last week, along with picking up the consolation trophy at the Dublin Tournament over the weekend.
Albany traveled to Clyde on for a rematch with the Lady Bulldogs, coming up short 14-25, 8-25, 20-25.
The varsity will be open this weekend, resuming pre-district action Tuesday, Sept. 3 when they host Bangs in a full set of games starting at 4:30 p.m.
Varsity Beats Eastland in 5
The Lady Lions hosted the Lady Mavs on Aug. 20, avenging an earlier loss to Eastland, with a five-game win in Albany 23-25, 24-26, 25-13, 25-21, 15-9.
“That was an exciting battle from beginning to end,” coach M.J. Reneau. “I loved how the girls responded from losing the first two sets and coming back full force to win the last three sets.”
The coach said the team played some of the best volleyball of the season.
“Our goal was to limit our hitting and serve errors, which we did,” she said. “The girls played smart offense and were scrappy on defense. The girls were selfless during the game and everyone contributed to the win.”
The coach noted that Torie Fuentes had 32 digs in the match.
albany VS.Eastland
PLAYER Serves Kills Digs Blks Asst
T Fuentes 19 0 32 0 1
B Belcher 12 0 11 0 1
A Garcia 14 3 3 1 3
S Cotter 14 12 2 1 0
C Holson 25 5 7 0 25
H Trail 0 2 7 0 1
A Denton 0 10 4 0 0
M Connally 0 2 5 0 1
T Scott 16 6 12 0 0
Varsity Wins Dublin Bracket
The Lady Lions traveled to Dublin Thursday and Saturday, bringing home the trophy for the Challengers Bracket.
Albany lost all three pool games on Thursday, but returned to win three straight in bracket play on Saturday.
The Lady Lions fell 16-25, 25-27 in the first pool game to Jim Ned. Scoring serves were offered up by Fuentes 3, Blanton Belcher 4, Ansleigh Garcia 11, Sarah Cotter 8, Clara Holson 6, and Taylor Scott 8.
Albany lost to Blum in the second round, 24-26, 20-25. Scoring on serves were Fuentes 11, Belcher 5, Garcia 3, Cotter 4, Holson 8, and Scott 8.
The varsity lost a close third pool pairing against Clifton 25-27, 20-25. Scoring on service were Fuentes 7, Belcher 3, Garcia 3, Cotter, 3, Holson 6, Hannah Trail 4, and Scott 13.
“The girls competed in the toughest pool in the tournament and came up just short,” Reneau said. “They were disappointed in the pool games, but determined to do better in bracket games.”
The coach said that the team met Saturday morning, determined to win the Challengers Bracket.
“They prepared for each game and concentrated on every play,” she said. “I am proud of their focus and the way they bounced back after Thursday.”
Reneau said that she saw the group bond even more during the tournament, growing closer both on and off the court.
“Overall, we are happy with the results of the tournament,” she said. “Every game is making us better for district and beyond.”
The Lady Lions defeated DeLeon in the first round 25-17, 25-17. Scoring on serves were Fuentes 8, Belcher 7, Garcia 6, Cotter 4, Holson 13, and Scott 4.
The Lady Lions defeated Mineral Wells in three games, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22. Serving up points were Fuentes 9, Belcher 8, Garcia 3, Cotter 16, Holson 15, Trail 4, and Scott 9.
Albany won the consolation championship in two games, 25-16, 25-23 over Clifton. Scoring were Fuentes 6, Belcher 7, Cotter 6, Holson 6, Trail 10, and Scott 10.
JV Teams Beat Eastland
The JV teams also earned wins over Eastland on Aug. 20.
The JV Red won 28-26, 25-10.
“We played a great game,” coach Jamie Wilson said. “The girls were fun to watch and really played like a team. They continue to get better every time we play.”
The JV White also defeated Eastland, 25-17, 25-23.
“The white teams continues to get better, and I am really proud of the progress they have made,” Wilson said.
The two JV teams played in Clyde on Tuesday, with the JV I losing 21-25, 11-25. The JV II lost 12-25, 25-18, 17-25.
Both JV teams will return to Clyde on Saturday for a JV tournament.
