The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers played a complete match and bested the James Bowie Lady Pirates in bi-district action last Tuesday at Mt. Pleasant High School. In a marathon match, with very few rallies by either side, the Lady Panthers recorded a win by the score of 26-28, 25-18, 25-21, 17-25, 15-11.

The fourteen ties in the first set were indicative of the close action which featured throughout the match. Kaylee Anglin and Cacie Lennon generated most of the Alba-Golden offense, with Kalli Trimble recording back-to-back kills late in the set and adding an ace to knot the score at 22. The mishandling of a drop shot eventually gave the first set to James Bowie in extended play.

The Lady Panthers came out for the second set with much resolve. They moved with determination. The results of the second set reflected this. The set saw other Lady Panthers stepping up. Skyler West made an emphatic block midway through the set to break a 12-12 tie.

Moments later, Kamrin Wright elevated at the net to record a scoring block. 

The finish for set two was an excellent passage of volleyball for Alba-Golden. Lennon had a big block to open a four point edge. She then slammed a kill home on a nice set from Anglin. Wright then followed with an ace, and the Lady Panthers had the second set.

Senior Kaylee Anglin dominated the third set. She was in an offensive groove and accounted for nine offensive scores in the set. Her efforts demoralized the opponents. The Lady Panthers opened up a four point margin in the second half and won the set with momentum. 

It did not carry over into the fourth set. The Lady Panther team offense just went dormant, scoring only five offensive points in the whole set.

Concentration lapsed as well, with Alba-Golden being whistled for an improper rotation. A Lady Pirate fourth-set win forced the fifth and deciding set.

Observing the teams before the fifth set, the Lady Panthers looked to be the victors. They exhibited a confident positivity, and it showed in their play. Anglin continued her aggressive scoring, tallying four strong points, including an ace. Lennon contributed two – a clever drop shot and a push shot which found the floor – and Trimble added an opening-point kill.

Fittingly, it was Anglin who rifled home the match-winning point from the left wing. And, it was a great start for the Lady Panthers in their second season.