From Coach Bonnie Keepes:
The 8th grade group started a little slow as well. I could tell some of them were wound up and nervous. The first set against Robinson we lost 17-25, but I saw a change in momentum shift at end with strong serving. The second set we came out much more aggressive building on the momentum from the first set winning 25-16. Lyla Keepes was able to get in a serving zone ending the first with 9 straight and starting the second with a run of 11. The girls started attacking more and moving better along the net. The 3rd set we took the match 15-7 for the win. We quit making as many errors and showed our skill.
With that win we went to the Championship facing Casey, they were moving well and playing smart. Something I think we will get to with more play. We started slow again losing 13-25. The second set we were ahead most of the set but had a break down in serve receive at the end losing 22-25.
The highlights against Robinson were Lyla Keepes 14 aces, 1 kill, 4 digs, Kyleigh Smith 4 kills, and 1 block, Evie Sellers 4 kills, Riley Hershey an ace, 1 dig, Kinley Harris an ace, 4 assists, 1 kill, 1 dig, 1 block, Leah Lewis 7 assists, Mercedes Dillard 2 digs, Brynlie Mounts 1 kill, Madi Riggs 1 kill, and 1 block.
Facing Casey Lyla Keepes had 4 aces, 5 kills, Kyleigh Smith 1 kill, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 1 block, Riley Hershey 3 aces, Kinley Harris an ace, 3 assists, 2 kills, Leah Lewis 1 ace, 2 assists, Mercedes Dillard 1 dig, Mylee Farmer 1 dig.
Second place wasn’t bad considering both the teams we played have been playing for a solid month. We will get strong each match! Next we face Grayville at home on Monday, with 6th grade having an inter squad match. 7th grade will be starting at 6 o’clock with 8th following.
