The Mineola Lady Jackets played an amazing match against the Atlanta Lady Rabbits Monday in bidistrict action at Hallsville. Coach TaShara Everett’s side fell in four sets, 25-18, 22-25, 23-25, 21-25, but played their best volleyball of the season. 

There appeared to be no outward difference in the Lady Jackets, except perhaps, that they appeared both relaxed and ready to play. Atlanta was a district champion and carried a lot of confidence to the court. 

It didn’t take Mineola long to chip away at Atlanta’s confidence. Mineola never trailed in the opening set and led by as much as 10 points. The Lady Jackets found the gaps in the Atlanta defense, while simultaneously covering the defensive side of the floor.

Two characteristics featured in the first set win: consistent serving and aware shot placement. 

Jocelyn Whitehead was on target from the left wing, scoring three times in the set. Mylee Fischer led efforts on the net and earned four offensive points. Olivia Hughes, Gracie Finley – who had her best match of the year – and Kozbie Riley also registered scores.  

The Lady Jackets simply played better volleyball than their opponents in the first set.

Atlanta got their explosive offense untracked in the second set. They built an early lead, but Mineola surged to close the score with a 7-point rally during the service of Olivia Hughes. The teams traded scores with Mylee Fischer scoring on a drop shot and a block in the final moments. A block which went out of play evened the sets at one each.

Set three was exciting volleyball. There was nothing slow about this set. The Lady Jackets trailed through most of the set but came back to tie the score at 21 apiece. Gracie Finley scored three emphatic kills in the final moments of the set, but it was not enough. Following a long delay due to a scoring mistake --- the second on the night – Atlanta secured the set 25-23.

After giving up the first eight points in the fourth set, the Lady Jackets came back. They tied the set at 17 points and at 19. The end-game however belonged to Atlanta as they secured the match.

Despite some exciting play at the net from both sides throughout the match, it was the service game of Atlanta’s Rylie Pattillo and Cara Taylor which made the difference in the match.

The Lady Jackets provided, as they should, the best volleyball for their brief playoff performance. It will serve as a great example for future volleyballers in the program.