The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Yellow Jackets 3-1 in match play last Friday. Alba-Golden took a tightly contested game one, with Mineola fighting back in a very competitive game two. The Lady Panthers then dominated game three, and won a close game four to seal the match.

In game one, the Lady Panthers pushed out to an eight point advantage (16 – 8) before the Lady Yellow Jackets began to close the gap, eventually evening the score at (22 – 22). An Alba-Golden drop shot and two Mineola miscues resulted in game one going to the Lady Panthers.

Meghan Brewington, who had a stellar match, got the Lady Jackets off to a fast start in game two. Mineola chalked up five straight points behind Brewington’s service. The 54-point game was tied eight times as neither team could maintain momentum. Mineola capitalized on consecutive Alba-Golden miscues to eventually take the game (28 – 26).

Early in game three the Lady Panthers racked up nine consecutive points behind two kills, an ace, a drop shot and a series of Lady Jacket mis-hits. The (14 – 4) deficit appeared to be too much for the Lady Jackets to overcome as Alba-Golden took game two (25 – 9). Game three was the only time either team demonstrated consistent offensive play with Alba-Golden scoring on 10 kills and 2 aces.

Game four appeared to mimic the flow of game one. The Lady Panthers built and maintained a small lead for much of the contest, with the Lady Jackets clawing their way back to tie the game late (21-21). Alba-Golden prevailed following a kill and two forced return errors.

Ginny Carson led her team again in a district win. She had 20 kills, two blocks and six digs. Madi Byrant followed with 10 kills, a block and three digs. Macie Pendergrass, Lauren Crump and Kalli Wright all had three kills apiece.  Bralee Littlejohn led with 21 assists.

Both teams are at home Friday with Mineola hosting Lone Oak and Alba-Golden entertaining Quitman. Alba-Golden is closing in on a playoff spot with a district record of 4-4 while Mineola is 1-7.