Lady Jackets fall in three to Edgewood

Posted 11/7/19

As we have seen all season, there were moments in Tuesday’s loss to Edgewood where the Mineola Lady Jackets were completely in synch. For a stretch in game two, the home side played relaxed. …

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Lady Jackets fall in three to Edgewood

Posted

As we have seen all season, there were moments in Tuesday’s loss to Edgewood where the Mineola Lady Jackets were completely in synch. For a stretch in game two, the home side played relaxed. They communicated, moved away from the ball, rotated well, and clearly enjoyed the challenge of a series of long points. It was a pleasure to watch.

That specific stretch of six points resulted in three for Mineola and three for Edgewood and was highlighted by two offensive scores by Valerie Garcia and one by Brittany Pickle. The Jackets gave up two points on unforced errors and gained one on an Edgewood error. Bottom line, over that stretch, the sides were even. 

As if to prove they can play as an effective team, the Lady Jackets have produced moments of brilliance all season but lacked the staying power to do so consistently. So it was in the season finale against the 12-3A district champion Edgewood Lady Bulldogs. Edgewood defeated the Lady Jackets 25-12, 25-18, 25-9 to preserve an undefeated district record.

Game one was messy with each side committing too many unforced errors. Mineola suffered a dozen while Edgewood committed six. The early action saw the guests take a 10-7 lead after some confusing play by both sides. Two consecutive, long scoring runs of five and eight points by the Lady Bulldogs sealed the game one win. 

Mineola played its most cohesive volleyball in game two. Although Edgewood still recorded a seven-point win, the Lady Jackets provided memorable moments offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, another 12 unforced errors erased the improved play. It is almost impossible to beat a team of Edgewood’s caliber when giving up double digit points on unforced errors.   

Edgewood combined the benefit of Mineola errors with unrelenting, attacking volleyball to run away with game three.  

The home crowd recognized the departing seniors’ players in the Senior Night pre-game presentations.  Kelsey Brewington, Meghan Brewington, Kaitlyn Burrel, Cyndi Butler, Alyssa Cannon, Sabria Dean, Kaitlyn Pickle, Jessiah Riley, Josye Simms and Tiara Stephens received thanks for their season-long efforts. 

Coach TaShara Everett, weathering through the emotions of her daughter Tiara Stephens’ senior night, played a brief recorded message for the crowd and her players. She thanked all supporters of Lady Jacket volleyball and commented to the whole team that they have started something special in Mineola.  

To the seniors, Everett expressed that her prayer is for them all to take the love of the game with them.  She commented, “We have many memories that will endure from this season. It has been a great joy to coach each of you.”