GROVETON — The Lady Indians outmatched the visiting Normangee Lady Panthers 3-0 on Friday.
On Sept. 1, Groveton fell to Diboll 3-1.
Despite falling to Richards 3-0 on Thursday and to Corrigan-Camden 3-0 on Friday, Trinity Lady Tigers Head Coach Aaliyah Hale said that during the last week, the team did a lot of grinding and are trying new rotations for both varsity and junior varsity teams.
Hale also said that a lot of team members stepped up, including Winter Gilbert, who played her first game as a setter and “absolutely killed it.”
The Lady Eagles split their matches last week, losing to Shelbyville 3-2 on Sept. 1 but downing Spurger 3-2 on Friday.
Head Coach Raegyn Moreno said that with the addition of Centerville to the district, it will be competitive, but she thinks we will pair well with the teams and can make a good run for first place this year.
“I expect a lot of competitive volleyball this season out of the girls,” she said. “They have shown a lot of heart, grit and energy early on, and I’m looking forward to more of that over the season. The girls have been working incredibly hard this year, and we have been making some improvements early on to build on the success we had last season.”
Moreno said the team has taken a few competitive losses to some solid teams and taken wins against tough opponents as well, but the girls are working hard to flip the script this year.
“Our season ended with a tough, 5-set loss in playoffs last year, and I really think they want to be successful,” she said. “I want them to be successful, and I think we are on the right track to do so.”
Toward that end, Moreno said that senior setter Abrie McWhorter, defensive specialist Jade Aycock and Junior Savannah McLennan will be the linchpins to the team’s forward momentum.
“I like the hustle and grit that I’m seeing out of McWhorter so far. She is always willing to leave it all out on the court,” she said. “Also, I am looking for Aycock to bring the energy, experience, and competitive edge to the team this year. She’s a hard worker.
“McLennan is one of my setters and outside hitters, who plays all the way around,” Moreno said. “She sets the example of true hustle, and always giving your all, each day. She’s got the right attitude and mindset to really make a difference on this team and could truly have a positive impact.”
