Livingston volleyball took another step toward the postseason with a 25-23, 25-17, 26-28 and 25-22 win over Hardin-Jefferson Tuesday in Lion Gym. The team is guaranteed at least second place in the district, and could win a share of first with a win Friday.
After falling behind 10 points at 15-5 to a fast-starting Lady Hawk squad, Livingston began a furious comeback. Tying the game at 22, they would take three of the next four points to win the opening set.
“I kind of figured that we were going to start slow, just because of how much goes on during senior night. That is kind of a norm for us, because it takes us a second to get going,” Livingston coach Heather Mosser said. “That is probably our biggest comeback of the season, but that is not out of the norm for us. I am used to us stepping up and playing, and I have learned not to give up on this team, because they always come back. Our mental toughness is very strong. It's not always fancy and it's not always perfect volleyball, but it's hustle and control and just letting the other team make mistakes.”
The Lady Lions would again find themselves behind, this time by just three, and would lead by as much as 10 in the second set.
A pattern was forming by the third set, with Hardin-Jefferson up 10 points at 16-6. However, Livingston would again answer. They trailed by just one at 21-20, but looked as though they would drop the set when down 24-21. Though the Lady Hawks would eventually take it, Livingston showed that no lead was safe in a 28-26 battle.
The final race to 25 was a close one, with ties at seven and 19. Livingston would again get the upper hand late, holding it for good this time.
“This team contributes a little bit in every way. We have moments of greatness from each of those kids on the court,” Mosser said. “Someone who stood out tonight was N’Ziya Washington. She is our (team) offensive player of the year for a reason. We need to get the ball to her more. My setter, (Madelyn) Akers, is all over the place, and runs this offense. It is a lot to ask for that. We had a lot of hustle plays from Kailey Chamblee, who is also a senior and my libero. It is big moments in which you think we are not going to make a big play that we make big plays. That kind of sets us apart.”
Seniors honored on Tuesday include Vanessa Bowers, Bracee Hicks, Ytzel Davalos, Chamblee and Washington.
The Lady Lions are scheduled to match up with a Houston ISD school in the first round of the playoffs. Lumberton, a school ranked in multiple polls, could be the second-round opponent. Livingston cracked the top 25 for Class 4A in the Texas Girls Coaches Association state poll this week.
The remaining schedule puts Livingston with district leader Huffman Hargrave at home Friday, a road match in Liberty Tuesday, and a warm-up game scheduled with Port Neches-Groves next Friday.
