Watching the first two sets of Mineola’s five-set (25-18, 25-19, 24-26, 21-25, 16-14) win over the Tyler Heat last Tuesday was sheer joy. Those two sets, especially the first set, were chockful of quality play.  The Lady Jackets committed only six errors resulting in Tyler scores in the first set and only eight in the second. 

This disciplined passing and setting allowed the Lady Jackets to time their attacks and vary their attack angles. It was the best volleyball Mineola has played yet this year – hands down.

Mineola’s movement and defense were also disciplined and spirited. That aspect of their game kept the Heat in a reactive mode and forced errors. 

Set one featured 12 offensive points for Mineola: 8 kills, 1 drop shot and 3 aces (two by Olivia Hughes and one by Tierany Neighbors). The second set was even more productive: 11 kills, 1 drop, 1 block, and 2 aces (one from Hughes and one from Trinadee Jackson). 

The Tyler Heat is a solid volleyball team and they confidently fought back. The third set was tied five times – the latest at 18 all. The difference in set three was the 13 mis-hits the Lady Jackets committed. Perhaps the adrenalin was wearing off or perhaps the team was pressing too hard for the three-set win, but the unforced errors began to take their toll.

The fourth set saw a change of roles, as Tyler stayed on the offensive throughout. Mineola mustered only six offensive scores in that set.  An 8-point run in mid-set assured Tyler’s win and took the match to the fifth set.

That tiebreaker was incredibly exciting as both sides left nothing on the court. It featured an outstanding stabbing save by Jackson – her third such save of the match – three kills by Kali Chrietzberg, an ace by Jaycee Maag and consistently active net play by Neighbors, Hughes and Mahayla McMahon.   

Mineola appears primed for district action. They entertain Winona Tuesday, Sept. 24 and travel to Eustace Friday, Sept. 27.