Tuscola ripped Smoky Mountain in the first two
games, but the Lady Mustangs (4-4, 1-3) rallied to win the next
two games setting up an exciting Mountain Athletic Conference
volleyball finish last Thursday at Tuscola.
In the fifth game, it was the Lady Mountaineers who rallied
from an early deficit as they claimed a 25-15, 25-11, 21-25,
15-25, 15-11 victory. It marked the first time SM had gone to
five games under the new rally scoring rules.
"We dug a deep hole and almost were able to climb out of
it," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "I was very proud of
their intensity and effort and not quitting."
The Lady Mustangs fell behind early in the first game and suffered
a blow when setter Katie Crisp left the match in the opening
game with a hand injury. Her replacement, Laura Bowers, performed
well in handing out 19 assists.
"Laura stepped in and did a real good job setting,"
Simmons said.
Danielle Bowers led the team in kills with 14.
The fifth game saw SM get off to a good start as Ryan Cook served
the first four points. They managed just two offensive points
the rest of the way. A 5-0 run gave the Lady Mounties the lead
for good at 11-8.
Bonnie Claxton's three points, including an ace, and a kill
by Danielle Bowers tied the score 4-4 in game one. Tuscola took
control by running off 10 unanswered points.
The Lady Mustangs scored just two offensive points throughout
the second game. Tuscola took a 13-6 lead and breezed to the
win.
SM suddenly came to life midway through the third game. Cook
served four points and Danielle Bowers had consecutive kills
giving her team a 17-16 edge. The game stayed tight and ended
on Kristine Webb's kill.
Cook served four points, including an ace, and Danielle Bowers
had a kill as the Lady Mustangs moved in front 5-2. Claxton
ran off six points with Danielle Bowers having a kill and a
block extending the margin to 12-3. SM remained comfortably
ahead the rest of the game, which ended on Jessie Woodard's
ace.
The Lady Mustangs had their best serving night of the season
at 95.3 percent. Not missing a serve were Cook (20), Woodard
(13) and Laura Bowers (eight). Danielle Bowers served 93.8 percent,
and Cantler served 90 percent. Cook led in service points with
12, and Claxton had 11.
The Lady Mustang JVs fell to 5-3 as Tuscola won 25-20, 19-25,
15-4. Ale Ensley had five kills, and Sarah Haggard recorded
six assists. Lillian Crites hit eight of eight serves, and Sarah
Shapiro was good on nine of 10.
"We played really well in the second game," Coach
Amanda Queen said.
