Livingston volleyball shook off a slow start to defeat the Lady Horns of Tarkington 19-25, 25-15, 25-20 and 25-13 in Tuesday’s district contest.
Starting off in a 5-1 hole in the opening set, Livingston answered back to score six straight. However, Tarkington built as much as a seven-point advantage to eventually win by six.
“We weren't 100% because we had an injury today about two hours ago,” Livingston coach Heather Mosser said of Corinne Henderson. “We played for her. We started off a little bit rough, but I am very confident that anybody I put on the court can do a job. Someone is going to step up and have a big game to fill in the void. That's kind of what I just told them. We don't always have great nights, but we are pretty consistent. When we need somebody to be big, somebody is big. That was N’Ziya Washington tonight, she balled out. I am very proud of them for just stepping up and playing.”
Along with Washington, Madelyn Akers and Carly Pipes were big contributors Tuesday. Everyone on the roster had the chance to contribute, as Mosser continuously cycled fresh bodies into the match.
Livingston started well and cruised in the second set. An 18-7 advantage made for an easy finish. The third was much closer, with neither school pulling away until Livingston grabbed a five-point difference late.
The final set was a series of runs. The Lady Lions started with an 11-3 lead, but the Lady Horns answered by pulling within two. A final push from Livingston allowed for the 12-point win to close the night.
Livingston is now 24-8 overall, with an 8-1 record in district play. They are a game behind Huffman Hargrave, but three games ahead of the rest of the district. Second place, at minimum, is nearly assured. Liberty, Tarkington and Hardin-Jefferson have the best chances at securing the two final spots from 19-4A. Livingston’s return to the playoffs has been a long trip of several years.
“The first year I took over we were 2-28, the second year we were 15-17, and right now we are 24-8,” Mosser said. “I have really tried to develop a program of character, a program of buy in, and a program of playing the right way. We had an assistant coach (Jenny Summers) who came in this year and knows a lot of volleyball. We have changed the way that we play. We are doing a lot of technique stuff that has really amped their game. The difference is going to be the buy in to that. It is going to be them taking what we are doing and transferring it to the court. That's what they have done this year, and I am really proud of them. We haven't had a moment where every single one of us that steps on the court has had an overall big game, but I am excited to see that happen.”
Tuesday will be the next contest and Senior Night for the Lady Lions, as they take on Hardin-Jefferson.
