Place two volleyball teams on the court, each with plenty of talent, a ton of energy, and yes, a few rough edges, and you get a five-set thriller like that last Tuesday at Alba-Golden. The Lady Panthers could not hold-on late and dropped the match to the Palestine Ladycats (25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 25-27, 8-15).

It was a lesson in momentum for the Lady Panthers. After carrying game three to take the 2-1 lead, the Lady Panthers hit a dry spell midway through game four. 

The Ladycats went on a 7-point run to go up 18-11. The home side just seemed to lose focus a bit. A time out by Alba-Golden was followed by an ace from Palestine. 

Then, before the next serve, play was stopped to have a second volleyball secured that two youngsters were batting back and forth in home-side bleachers. It broke the run. The Lady Panthers began to claw their way back. 

Alba-Golden tied the match at 24. Palestine called for a time-out.

The longest volley of the night ensued. That volley alone was worth the price of admission. It was full of desperation by both sides and the point eventually fell to the Lady Panthers. The team was exuberant.

Alba-Golden was one point shy of winning the match. Following the previous marathon point, a quick mis-hit by Alba-Golden gave Palestine the service.  An ace followed and Palestine took the game on an overcooked kill attempt by the Lady Panthers. 

The Ladycats kept the momentum in the 15-point deciding fifth set. Doubt set in on defensive responsibilities on the home side, and it was as if Alba-Golden had expended all remaining energies on that long volley to put them at match-point in set four.  The Lady Panthers generated only six offensive points in the final set.

The match will be a huge advantage to Alba-Golden as the season progresses. There could be no better lesson in momentum than what happened last Tuesday. They will, no doubt, learn from it.

Alexis Wilmut had a stellar match. She was incredibly active, precise with her hitting and solid on defense. Lainey Teel continued her dominance at the net. She was joined by Lainey Wright, who had key contributions throughout. The service of Jayla Sitar was especially effective.  

The next opportunity to catch the Lady Panthers at home will be Friday, Sept. 6 against Lone Oak. The varsity sides face off at 4:30 p.m.