SHEPHERD — The Lady Pirates hosted the Liberty Lady Panthers in a district volleyball matchup Friday knowing they were facing a team with an impressive 24-10 record and plenty of experience. Liberty entered the gym as the favorite, but the Lady Pirates refused to let the numbers on the scoreboard determine how they would play.
The opening set belonged to Liberty. Shepherd struggled to find its rhythm early, and the Lady Panthers took advantage, pulling away for a 25-9 victory. When the Lady Pirates returned to the court for the second set, they played with more confidence and challenged Liberty for every point. The Lady Panthers still managed to control the set, but the Lady Pirates had closed the gap considerably, with Liberty taking the second 25-18.
Then came the third set, and for a while, it looked as though Shepherd might pull off a major upset. The Lady Pirates jumped out to an early lead and put Liberty on the defensive. The Panthers were forced to use several timeouts as they tried different approaches to slow Shepherd's momentum.
The adjustments eventually worked. Liberty managed to regain control during the final portion of the set and pulled away in the closing serves, taking the third 25-20 and completing the 3-0 sweep.
Several Lady Pirates turned in strong individual performances: Brooklyn White led Shepherd with nine kills, while Whitney Millage added five. Defensively, Swayzie Nelson recorded 14 digs, with Abbey Anderson adding 13.
The evening also included a special moment away from the court, with the Lady Pirates taking time to honor a favorite teacher or mentor who has made a difference in their lives.
The Lady Trojans found their rhythm in back-to-back dominating district wins.
Facing the Crockett Lady Bulldogs on Friday night, Coldspring turned in one of its strongest team performances of the season, sweeping Crockett 3-0. The Lady Bulldogs entered the match with a 3-14 record, while Coldspring came in at 2-11.
The Lady Trojans controlled all three sets, winning the first 25-12, followed by a 25-15 victory in the second. Coldspring finished the night by taking the third set 25-16, completing the sweep.
The Lady Trojans have faced their share of challenges this season, particularly with injuries to key players. Those injuries have forced Head Coach Krista Jones to move players into different positions and ask them to take on new responsibilities. Rather than allowing those setbacks to become excuses, the Lady Trojans have continued working. One of the biggest adjustments came when Coldspring's regular setter went down with an ankle injury.
Jones turned to Kinsey Reynolds, who had previously played libero, to take over the setting duties. It was another example of the kind of flexibility and team-first attitude the Lady Trojans have needed throughout the season.
“I knew the team could count on Reynolds because she would go get the ball and set it for the Lady Trojans,” she said. “She is also a great team leader, so I feel she will fit the bill perfectly.”
On Sept. 27, Coldspring rolled over district rival Trinity 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-14).
Jones said the standout for this game is Ainsley Burling with 22 digs.
