The Mineola Lady Jackets are primed for district volleyball play. There were no signs of fatigue or lack of confidence in last Tuesday’s straight-set win over the visiting Gladewater Lady Bears. 

Mineola faced a determined opponent in the opening set, and the game was decided late, 25-21.

The Lady Jackets were down four points early, but three scores from middle blocker Jadelyn Marshall and a crushing kill from Mahayla McMahon evened the score. It started a 10-point run from which Gladewater could not recover. 

The Lady Jackets trailed only once in the next two sets – the opening point of the third set – while systematically dissecting the opponent’s defense. 

The difference between Mineola’s game thus far this season and many of their opponents’ has been Mineola’s ability to generate a scoring attempt off nearly every volley. It is this ability which makes fans look forward to this year’s campaign.  

There are other tell-tale signs as well. For instance, there were no communication failures by the Lady Jackets against Gladewater.

Also, it seems as though with each match a different teammate steps up with an excellent service game. This time it was Macy Fischer with three aces in the third set. 

Most notably, however, is the quiet confidence with which the Lady Jackets are playing. No doubt, they will face stiffer competition among their district opponents, but by continuing to work together as a team, the future remains bright.

After traveling to Mt. Vernon (won by the Lady Jackets) and hosting Quitman, the next opportunity to see the Lady Jackets at home will be Friday at 4:30 against Winona.