Lady Jackets Down Wartburg 3-0 in District Tourney

By Terry Futrell

The Coalfield Lady Jackets defeated the Wartburg Central Lady Bulldogs 3-0 in round one of the District 3A volleyball tournament at Coalfield Monday evening. The Lady Jackets advance to the semifinals and will play the winner of Bledsoe County-Monterey at home Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm.

The Lady Jackets used strong serving in the opening set, scoring seven service aces in the set. Coalfield took an early lead, but Wartburg closed the gap to four points at 13-9. Leading 17-11, Taylor Landrum stepped up to serve and put the Lady Bulldogs away by scoring eight straight points, including two service aces. The Lady Jackets won the set 25-11.

Wartburg came out on the attack in the second set and led by ten points, 13-3, before the Lady Jackets came to life. Coalfield slowly closed the gap to six points, 18-12. Wartburg’s Madilyn Armes then served two consecutive aces and the Lady Bulldogs extended their lead to 22-13. Carlee Kees followed by serving six points for Coalfield, including three aces, to bring the Lady Jackets within three points, 22-19. Wartburg extended their lead to 23-19, but could not close out the set. The Lady Jackets tied the score at 23-23, and again at 24-24. Olivia Hudson then served as the Lady Jackets scored two points to win the set 26-24.

The third set began as another close battle and was tied 8-8 before Coalfield began to slowly pull away. Olivia Hudson served five points to give Coalfield a 13-8 lead. Wartburg was unable to hold serve, and Molly Huckaby then served five points, including four aces, to extend the Lady Jacket lead to 19-9. Coalfield continued to pull away and won the set 25-12 and the match 3-0.

The loss ends the season for the Lady Bulldogs.

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