Lady Jackets Sting Wartburg in Volleyball Opener

By Terry Futrell

While much attention is focused on football, another fall sport kicked off this week in Morgan County – girls volleyball. As a precursor to the football opener Friday evening between Wartburg and Coalfield, the ladies from these same two schools managed to get in first licks at Coalfield Tuesday evening. With as much intensity and passion as one might expect on the football field, these ladies went at each other. After Wartburg took the first set 28-26, Coalfield bounced back to take three sets in a row 25-7, 25-8, and 25-9, winning the match 3-1.

Wartburg’s strong performance in the first set was not surprising. The Lady Bulldogs payed Kingston on Monday evening – their first opportunity to play against a real opponent. For the Lady Jackets, this was their first contest of the season and it showed in the first set. In spite of having stronger front line players, the Lady Jackets mostly played off the net and spiked several balls across the end line. Down 15-8, the Lady Jackets fought back to take the lead 22-21, only to see Wartburg rebound and take the set 28-26.

The Lady Jackets used their experience and strength to take control at the net in the second set and dominated the Lady Bulldogs from that point in the match. Alexis Morrison served up six consecutive points and Jayleigh Bunch served eight consecutive points for the Lady Jackets in the 25-7 set victory.

The Lady Jackets showed their balance in the third set when Taylor Landrum served eight consecutive points, including four aces. Wartburg scored only two points while serving, and Coalfield took the set 25-8.

Coalfield took a 6-0 lead in the fourth set with Carlee Kees serving, including two aces. Alexis Morrison served up four points with one ace, and Mallory Hill served five consecutive points down the stretch. Coalfield took the set 25-9 and the match 3-1.

The Lady Bulldogs showed much poise in winning the first set, but ultimately were simply outgunned by the size and strength of the Lady Jackets. Wartburg was led by the back row defensive play of Ryleigh Wade, who also showed strength in serving. Ashlyn Roberts capably represented Coalfield in the same back row defensive position.

Playing exceptional sets against both Kingston and Coalfield, the Lady Bulldogs showed that they have potential to be competitive. As the Lady Jackets continue to gel and become more aggressive at the net, they will prove to be a formidable force in District 3-A play.