The Lady Jackets turned the corner last Tuesday in their district opener.  They put together an excellent match and produced a three-game win over the visiting Alba-Golden Lady Panthers.

There was plenty to be excited about. The Lady Jackets have been able to find their pace, and all aspects of their game were in synch Tuesday. 

In the backcourt, the amazingly-consistent Meghan Brewington executed 20 digs on the night, and simply has a knack for being in the right place on the court. Freshman Mylee Fischer offered up 15 assists. Her soft and predictable set, at just the right separation from the net, fed Mineola scorers all night. 

Junior Brittany Pickle produced 11 kills and contributed with 13 digs. Although strong at the net, her kill shots while closing out of the backcourt added another element to the Lady Jackets’ attack.  

The nature of a close match was decided early in the second game when Mineola’s Sabria Dean opened the game with four emphatic kills at the net. The sequence of scores seemed to shed some pre-season frustration which had built up as the Lady Jackets sought their identity.  Dean’s adrenalin-filled scoring was a declaration that the Lady Jackets had figured out who they were. 

Continuing improvement was seen in the game of Lady Jacket Valerie Garcia who adds yet another presence at the net. Likewise the setting of Sofia Lopez often spelled Fischer with no loss in production. 

The Lady Panthers are still seeking their initial district win.  They came out focused as lasers in game one, jumping out to a quick 7-3 lead. Laynie Culp and Crimson Bryant led the initial charge. 

Mineola fought back and the game see-sawed. Lady Panther Kali Wright’s kill brought Alba-Golden to within one point at 20-19, before successive kills by Mineola’s Pickle, Tahjae Black and Dean secured the win 25-21. 

The hot start by Dean in game two could not be overcome. Alba-Golden’s Ann Marie Pendergrass continued her solid play, but the Lady Jackets did not relinquish their momentum. Game two ended 25-9. 

Game three was closer than it should have been, as nine unforced Mineola errors kept the visitors close. With solid defense, the Lady Panthers closed to 19-15, before the hosts secured the win on a Pickle drop shot at 25-17. 

Despite the match loss, Alba-Golden’s volleyball program is very close to taking that next step.  Communications and floor movement continue to improve as do individual skills. Autumn Whitten’s improvement and contributions have been most evident since season start.  Abby Hallman also put in quality minutes in the match.