Lady Bulldogs split matches

DECATUR — Nearly two weeks after winning its scrimmage match with the NWA Classical Academy Spartans, the Decatur Lady Bulldog varsity volleyball team opened its 2018 regular season with a win Aug. 21 at Peterson Gym in Decatur against the Lady Highlanders of Eureka Springs.

Led by senior team captain Desi Meek, the Lady Bulldogs took the court ready to play.

The Lady Bulldogs quickly took control of the contest, amassing a 10-point lead in the first set. They eventually took the first set, 25-10.

Eureka tried to fight back in the second set, but the Lady Bulldogs continued to press their attack and took that set as well, 25-20.

The Lady Highlanders managed to control the third set by shutting down Decatur’s powerful offensive line, building as much as a 10 point lead going into the final moments of the set. The Lady Bulldogs tried mounting a comeback, moving to within two of the Lady Highlanders. A simple mistake cost Decatur as Eureka Springs took the point and the set, 25-22.

After a quick change in the game plan by Coach Tajhe Turner, the Lady Bulldogs went on to take the fourth set, 25-22, over the Lady Highlanders and the match, three sets to one.

In the second match of the week, against the Alpena Lady Leopards, at home Aug. 23, the Lady Bulldogs made several simple errors which cost them the match as Alpena rolled over Decatur in three straight sets, 25-10, 25-16 and 25-21.

The Decatur Lady Bulldogs finished week one with one win and one loss. Decatur will start week two at home at Peterson Gym Aug. 28 against the Life Way Christian Lady Warriors beginning at 4:30 p.m. The team will be on the road Aug. 30 when it travels to Bentonville to take on the NWA Classical Academy Spartans. Game time will be at 4:30 p.m.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS With Kaylee Morales waiting to assist if needed, Brownyn Berry (right) pops the ball toward the net during the third set of the Decatur-Alpena varsity girls volleyball match in Decatur on Aug. 23. MIKE ECKELS meckels@nwadg.com

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Destiny Mejia passes the ball to another Lady Bulldog player during the Decatur-Alpena match at Peterson Gym in Decatur.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS On the third contact, Lady Bulldog Ithzel Martinez attempts to send the ball over the net into Lady Leopard territory during the second set of the Decatur-Alpena match Aug. 23.