Tigers stay unbeaten in district

TEXARKANA, Texas — Longview took it to the limit of five games, but Texas High managed to hold off the challenge Saturday in the Tiger Center.

The Tigers won 26-24, 20-25, 25-15, 22-25, 15-12. Texas High (5-3 overall) stays undefeated in District 15-5A at 4-0 while the Lady Lobos slip to 0-1 against league competition.

“It was a hard-fought battle and a good game for our girls to win and overcome adversity,” said Tiger coach Melissa Trotter-Hardy. “There are some really good teams in our district and we need to be challenged early and be able to prepare ourselved for the state playoffs.”

Texas High plays a 12-game district schedule, facing each team on a home-and-home basis.

The Tigers got standout play from several individuals against Longview. Ashlyn Stiger served 20 points and hammered 20 kills, Jaycee Kennedy had 12 kills, Bella Cherry 20 points and 18 assists, Lauren Allred 27 assists and 16 points, and Valeria Perez 19 points and 15 digs.

Other Texas High contributors included Ashanti Northcross with 18 points and 15 digs, and Logan Pilgreen with 16 points, including three aces.

The Tigers also won the junior varsity match, 25-19, 25-21, with Madison Northcutt leading Texas High with eight points.

The Lobos won the ninth-grade contest, 27-25, 25-20. Anna Lee served 10 points for the Tigers.

Texas High’s next match will be Tuesday at Mount Pleasant.

“We still haven’t played some of the early district favorites, but our girls are playing hard and we hope to be there in the end,” coach TrotterHardy said. “Marshall and Mount Pleasant have some talented teams and Sulphur Springs doesn’t go down without a fight.”

The Tigers will play at Mount Pleasant on Tuesday and Marshall on Oct. 20 (the following Tuesday).

“Every match is important, especially if it’s a district match,” Trotter-Hardy said. “We’ve got to be ready to play every time we step out on the court.”