After defeating Ranger in an exciting match on Saturday, we had to play Temple Saturday evening. The winner of this match would advance to the conference championship game and would only have to win one more match. The loser would have to play again Sunday morning and then win 2 more times in order to go to nationals. Needless to say, this was an important match.
We made a couple of small adjustments to match up with Temple, just as they did from the last time we played them. They came out ready to play in game 1 and took that from us 25-18. Game 2 we made a little rally and tied it up near the end, but Temple made some good plays and won 25-23. Unfortunately for us they carried that momentum into game 3 and won 25-17. In my opinion, it was the best they had played against us all season and the scores proved that.
Sunday morning we played NCTC for the fourth time this year. Previously we had lost to them in 4 (but scored more points than they did), lost to them at their place 16-14 in the 5th, and beat them at our place in 4. Needless to say I thought it would be a competitive match. I don't know if there was a carryover effect from our loss the night before, but combine that with NCTC's excellent play and we lost in 3.
Our season ends on a disappointing note. I know that none of us pictured going out this way at the beginning of the season. Now we just have to look forward. Our off season program will make our players ready for next season and our sophomores ready to compete at whatever schools they transfer to. We will continue to recruit players that realize what it takes to be successful and combine them with our returning freshmen. There is a lot of work to do and we are all looking forward to it!
Good luck to Temple, Blinn, San Jacinto and Western Texas who will be representing the state of Texas at the national tournament!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Play-off update
We just got back to the hotel after our semi-fnial match against Ranger. Let me tell you this: this was no easy match...
We started off very slow. We did not do the little things correctly and as a result we lost the first 2 games by identical scores of 25-18. We did have a few moments, but Ranger outplayed us.
Our lack of focus continued into game 3 and we started off down 5-1. After a time-out it was like the light bulb finally went off. We started digging more balls but more importantly we converted quickly and effectively. Instead of making weak plays, we made confident play. As a result we won game three 25-21 and game four 25-22.
Game 5 was good for us at the beginning and we were up 8-4 at the side change. Then Ranger came roaring back and took advantage of some less than stellar plays and tied it up at 10. After that, it was back and forth. 14-14. 15-15. 16-16. We had multiple swings for match point but couldn't convert. i won't lie to you I was getting very nervous. This was a intense game! Finally, we got up 17-16 and Taelor Higgins converted a quick middle set to the floor for a huge comeback win!!! And then we celebrated by going to Which Wich, the "Superior" Sandwich place.
So we play Temple tonight at 7 pm for the fourth time this season. They looked very good earlier today in beating NCTC in four games so we will have to play at a high level to beat them. I'll keep you updated, just check here or on our Facebook page. Go Lady Rebels!!
We started off very slow. We did not do the little things correctly and as a result we lost the first 2 games by identical scores of 25-18. We did have a few moments, but Ranger outplayed us.
Our lack of focus continued into game 3 and we started off down 5-1. After a time-out it was like the light bulb finally went off. We started digging more balls but more importantly we converted quickly and effectively. Instead of making weak plays, we made confident play. As a result we won game three 25-21 and game four 25-22.
Game 5 was good for us at the beginning and we were up 8-4 at the side change. Then Ranger came roaring back and took advantage of some less than stellar plays and tied it up at 10. After that, it was back and forth. 14-14. 15-15. 16-16. We had multiple swings for match point but couldn't convert. i won't lie to you I was getting very nervous. This was a intense game! Finally, we got up 17-16 and Taelor Higgins converted a quick middle set to the floor for a huge comeback win!!! And then we celebrated by going to Which Wich, the "Superior" Sandwich place.
So we play Temple tonight at 7 pm for the fourth time this season. They looked very good earlier today in beating NCTC in four games so we will have to play at a high level to beat them. I'll keep you updated, just check here or on our Facebook page. Go Lady Rebels!!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Play-offs and updates
So after a long season of 36 matches, play-offs are finally here. We finished in a 3 way tie for second place and after tie breakers we came out 3rd. This means we will play 2nd seeded Ranger in the first round of our play-offs Saturday at 12 pm at Brookhaven College. Since our conference is double elimination (think college baseball regional) we will then play a second match that night: at 7 if we win, at 5 if we lose. We will keep you updated on our Facebook athletics page with how we are doing.
AWARDS
On Monday conference awards were handed out. Six players were recognized:
- Sybil Westrup: Conference Libero of the year and 1st team All Conference.
- Haley Goldwater: 1st team All Conference
- Phyllicia Cross: 1st team All Conference
- Cayleigh Drake: 2nd team All Conference
- Taelor Higgins: 2nd team All Conference
- Camryn Kazmierski: 2nd team All Conference
I am very proud that these young women were recognized by their opposing coaches, especially Sybil being named libero of the year! This is the second year in a row that we have recieved this award, after Lauren Ray last year.
Finally, our sand court is finished!! It looks fantastic, with plenty of space on all sides. We can't wait to get out there and have some fun! here are some pictures:
AWARDS
On Monday conference awards were handed out. Six players were recognized:
- Sybil Westrup: Conference Libero of the year and 1st team All Conference.
- Haley Goldwater: 1st team All Conference
- Phyllicia Cross: 1st team All Conference
- Cayleigh Drake: 2nd team All Conference
- Taelor Higgins: 2nd team All Conference
- Camryn Kazmierski: 2nd team All Conference
I am very proud that these young women were recognized by their opposing coaches, especially Sybil being named libero of the year! This is the second year in a row that we have recieved this award, after Lauren Ray last year.
Finally, our sand court is finished!! It looks fantastic, with plenty of space on all sides. We can't wait to get out there and have some fun! here are some pictures:
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