Arkansas High falls to Lakeside in 3 sets
Lady Backs target issues before next match
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Arkansas High faced adversity, and they will have another crack at it to see how they respond.
The Lady Backs fell to the Lady Rams at Razorback Gym on Tuesday night in three sets, 25-12, 25-9, 25-10.
“We’re going to continue to fight and get better,” Arkansas High head coach Kaylee Treas-Dalby said. “Tonight we came out a little sluggish but it’s nothing that we can’t get corrected. It’s a long season and we’re continuing to grow as a team.”
The final set was a closer contest than the previous two.
The Rams edged the Lady Backs, 10-7, before ultimately taking the set from the service line.
Kaitlyn Fortenberry finished with 16 assists and Shelby Robinson swatted eight points.
“We had an off night all together,” Treas-Dalby said. “We took a slide back, but we’re going to get it corrected by Thursday. I do believe in this team. I believe wholeheartedly that the girls will make the proper corrections.”
Sydnee Blackwell opened up the second set protecting the nets for the Lady Backs.
The Rams took over the service line and swatted a flurry of kills, and the Lady Backs were unable to respond.
Lakeside went on a 21-7 run to fulfill the set.
Blackwell finished the match with seven kills and four blocks while teammate Ashlyn Walker added 10 digs.
“Sydnee is one of our senior leaders,” Treas-Dalby said. “She has really stepped up for us in her leadership role. I’m very proud of her. As a senior, that’s what I expect of her. Hopefully, everyone will follow suit as we continue to go along.”
The opening set began with both teams going back-and-forth exchanging serves. The Rams did most of their damage in the first set when Hattie Douglas was at the service line. Douglas accounted for seven service points in the first set. Lakeside held a favorable lead over AHS midway through, 18-8.
“We play in a talented conference,” Treas-Dalby said. “I have the utmost respect for Coach Thigpen. When someone I respect tells me we’re doing good things, that means our team is growing. We can’t take anyone lightly. We have to prove to ourselves first that we can fight with anybody. These girls are going to work hard and they’re going to continue to push through.”
The Rams swept AHS in their junior varsity match.
The Lady Backs are back in action on Thursday, traveling to Lake Hamilton.