Paris edges Lady Leopards
Liberty-Eylau’s reward is not enviable, but the Lady Leopards’ volleyball team will gladly take 22 wins and a playoff berth over its 2013 performance that added up to only three wins.
The Leopards’ effort Tuesday on Senior Night at the Rader Dome was indicative of their season– never give up, and battling until the end.
Paris (21-11, 7-3) wrapped up second place in District 15-3A behind North Lamar by surviving a furious rally by L-E, 25-20, 25-22, 17-25, 15-25, 15-12.
“I was really proud of the way the girls fought back, but I’m always telling them not to dig us a hole that you can’t get out of,” said L-E’s first-year head coach Dawn Stewart. “I’ve got to give credit to Paris; they’re a really good team. Still, my girls showed a lot of heart tonight.”
L-E (22-9, 5-5) advances to the postseason, drawing 16-3A champion Spring Hill. Stewart said their was discussion of holding the playoff Tuesday as part of a doubleheader with Texas High.
The Leopards only lose two seniors this season, and it’s pretty obvious they’ll miss Morgan Utsey, who served 15 points and was credited with 25 kills and 4 blocks.
Utsey sparked the Leopards’ comeback in the fourth set with seven straight points to put L-E on top 8-2. She was also a hitting machine the final three sets with Rynesha Fort finishing the night with 51 assists. Adrianna Byrd contributed 10 service points and 41 digs.
Paris’ aggressive hitting was the key to the Lady Cats dominating the first two sets, and Julianna Clipson was the ringleader, finishing the match with 16 points and 22 kills.
The Lady Cats were in charge most of the night at the net, L-E appearing tentative and satisfied dinking instead of slamming away.l
Elise Winter, Macey Chapman and Maddie Helms were other standouts for Paris, combining for 22 points and another 20 kills.
The win by Paris means Pleasant Grove advances to the playoffs as the third place team, playing the winner of Tuesday’s match between Gilmer and Bullard.
Stewart also praised the play of Chelsea Fagan, Brianna Johnson and Maya Polley in the disappointing setback.