The Quitman Lady Bulldogs parlayed their best game so far this season into a 3-0 straight set win over Class 5A Whitehouse on the night when former coach Pat Neighbors was honored. The Lady Bulldogs won 25-17, 25-20, 25-20.

The Lady Bulldogs started strong in the first game with Ava Burroughs playing strong at the net at one point scoring four straight points on blocks and kills. The second and third games were closer, but once the Lady Bulldogs took a lead, Whitehouse could not come back.

The Lady Bulldog defense was superb in going after seemingly impossible digs and standing strong against kill attempts from the tall Lady Wildcats front line. Senior Madalyn Spears was on fire with 13 kills and also had four aces on strong serves. Sophomore Lindsey Hornaday had a good day on the back line as did Abby Dobbs.

“The girls played the best I have seen them play all year and they picked a great night to do so. I’m so proud of their constant hard work and willingness to improve daily,” Coach Ashlee Lingo said.

Statistics for the game were: Spears 13 digs, 13 kills, four aces; Jentri Jackson nine digs, six kills, and one ace; Julia Simpkins two digs, four kills, four assists; Shelby Hayes two digs, two kills, 19 assists; Abby Dobbs six digs, one ace; Maddy Whitehurst three kills; Ava Bourroughs seven kills, one block; Lindsey Hornaday five digs, two aces, one kill.

Quitman travels to the prestigious White Oak Tournament this weekend and plays their final game of pre-season Sept. 4 at Van before opening district play at Lone Oak Sept. 7.