The Mineola Lady Jackets responded twice in their three-game sweep of the Alba-Golden Lady Panthers last Friday at Alba-Golden.  

Down by a score of 14-8 in the first game, and appearing unsteady on their feet, the Lady Jackets were implored by Coach TaShara Everett. “We must have energy!” she exclaimed just after a blocking score by Lady Panther Ann Marie Pendergrass. The Lady Jackets responded. They tallied nine of the next 12 points to tie the score at 17. 

Mineola went on to win game one 25-17.

A series of service aces carried the Lady Jackets to a game two win. Sofia Lopez, who possesses one of the most effective services in the district, and her teammate Brittany Pickle each contributed an ace in game two. Cyndi Butler scored four aces, mid-game, in a nine-point Lady Jacket run. Mineola led throughout game two and secured a 25-10 win. 

Game three offered the best volleyball of the night. Pendergrass and her teammates Kaylee Anglin, Crimson Bryant and Autumn Whitten led a Lady Panther charge which threatened to extend the match. With the score tied at nine, the Lady Jackets bore down. They visibly changed their style of play, now moving on the balls of their feet and anticipating every attack from Alba-Golden. 

In succession: a kill by Sabria Dean, a drop shot by Valerie Garcia, and three blocks by Pickle put Mineola on the path to a match win. Although it was a fight to the finish, the Lady Jackets prevailed 25-19.    

Coach Everett attributed the renewed confidence with which her team played with an everyday emphasis on urgency.

“We have instilled a game-like intensity to our work-outs,” she stated. “This includes some refocusing drills when we lose that focus. The confidence stems from the intensity,” she explained. 

The Lady Jackets will be in Lone Oak on Friday, and traveling to Rains on Tues. Oct.22. Alba-Golden visits county rival Quitman on Fri. Oct. 18, after a bye earlier in the week.