Lady Bulldogs come close in loss to Lady Tigers
WEST FORK — In one of the most exciting endings to a match this season, the Decatur Lady Bulldogs took on the Lady Tigers in the volleyball gym at West Fork High School Oct. 5.
The Lady Tigers dominated the first two sets of the senior match to take victory in each, 25-6 and 25-10.
Prior to the start of the third set, Decatur coach Jessi Castagna sat her team on the bench and gave the girls a pep talk. All eyes were on Castagna as she tried to get her team more into the contest. For two minutes, the Lady Bulldogs hung on every word Castagna said.
As the set began, it became apparent that whatever message Castagna relayed to her team worked. The Lady Bulldogs’ front line led by Desi Meek, Destiny Meija, Talor Thompson and Mathline Jesse began to drop shot after shot between West Fork players, catching the Lady Tigers off guard. Decatur built a 10-point lead before West Fork scored its first point.
A timeout and a lineup change by West Fork put the Lady Tigers back into the match with three quick points. But Decatur stood fast, regained its momentum and began a series of rallies that extended its lead by five, forcing the Lady Tigers to use another timeout to regroup.
This time, West Fork was able to catch up with Decatur and tied at 20 all. From this point, the intensity of the contest reached its peak, with both teams fighting for the advantage. Decatur pulled ahead at 24-23, needing only one point to win. West Fork tied it at 24 all. Decatur had two more chances to claim the set but lost the third set on two straight points by the Lady Tigers, 28-25, and the match, 3-0.
The Decatur Lady Bulldogs will play their final regular season match of 2017 in Peterson Gym Oct. 12 for senior night. Mathline Jesse, Talor Thompson, Leticia Fuentes and Mailee Xiong will be honored between the junior and senior varsity matches. Matches begin at 4:30 with the junior high B game.