Congratulations to Carly Springer

CONGRATULATIONS TO CARLY SPRINGER !!!!!

(or should we say):

"QUEEN CARLY SPRINGER"

For those who've been under a rock or are just now getting the news - our very own Lady Bulldog DS Carly Springer - who looks and plays great on ANY court - was named as the 2005 Magnolia High School Homecoming Queen last night at the homecoming football game ...

We have to agree, after all we've known all along - that Carly was the best choice and most desrving of the honor. Great job, Carly and best of luck to you in the future and in whatever you do!

Lady Bulldogs Warm and Cozy in the Dawg House

Even the supporting cast was on fire in tonight's match against Klein Oak.

Warm and cozy? Who are we kidding?.....The Lady Bulldogs were on FIRE tonight as they lit up the scoreboard while sweeping the Klein Oak Lady Panthers by playing perhaps their finest match of the season! The Lady Bulldogs played with great intensity in front of their hometown fans by overpowering and out-hustling the Lady Panthers in 3 games (27-25, 25-17, and blowing away Klein Oak 25-11 in Game #3).

It's easy to see how there is 'no chance' to defend against the 'Williams' Glide'.

Here's the 'unoffical' results:

In Game #1 Michele 'Boom Boom' Williams got the Lady Bulldogs going with a thundering kill at 2-2, followed by a couple of kills by Lauren Michael to put them on top at 5-4. The Lady Bulldogs held the lead with some great plays by Hannah Fort (a kill and ace serve); Michele Williams (2 Blocked points and 4 kills); Jamie Kaleh's kill off the Lady Panthers arms; and another Lauren Michael kill thrown in; until Magnolia faltered somewhat and Klein Oak made a surge (very reminiscent of the "heart-stopping" Game #1 vs Klein Oak in the Spring Branch Tournament semifinals - which Magnolia won 27-25) to go ahead at 23-21.

After a strategic time-out, the Bulldogs used Lauren Michael's arms and legs to tie the game up with kills at 23-23 and 24-24. The advantage went back to Klein Oak at 25-24, then tied again at 25-25. Michele Williams stunned the Lady Panthers with a great blocked point at 26-25 - the crowd got wild and Klein Oak called a time-out to cool down the Dawgs. When play resumed, a great volley ensued until Heather Bowden made an outstanding defensive play getting the ball back over the net (backwards) and Klein Oak couldn't return it Ding!...

Dawgs: 27..Panthers: 25...

Lady Bulldog OH Jamie Kaleh "puttin' on the hits"

on the left side against a pair of Lady Panthers.

Game #2 the Lady Bulldogs led from start to finish utilizing their momentum and a balanced attack. Jamie Kaleh played extremely well tonight (3 kills and a ace serve in this game) with help from Kelli Stewart ( a kill and blocked point); Hannah Fort (2 kills, ace serve and assist blk with Lauren Michael); Michele Williams (2 kills); Lauren Michael (3 kills); and 2 ace serves by Caitlin Holland. Whew....I'm sure I left some one out...it was tough keeping up with all those bodies flying all over the place! Setters Mary Chadwick and Caitlin Holland played great defensively as well, and combined their skills to produce 31 assists while keeping the Lady Panthers on the run. But the Lady Bulldogs had some really great digs -mostly from Klein Oak's main weapon (Bridget LaPlante) while they were putting on quite a 'defensive show'. I do know, though...the Lady Bulldogs clearly dominated the Lady Panthers and sparked a hot burning flame that lit up the Dawg House!

Lady Panther Bridget LaPlante is 'monster' blocked by Heather

Bowden and Hannah Fort and the game was turned in Magnolia's favor.

Game #3... again, Jamie Kaleh lit it up with 3 kills and a blocked point; Hannah Fort had a smorgasbord of: 2 kills, 2 blocked points, an ace serve, and a great assist blk with Heather Bowden - on a Bridget LaPlante monster hit; 'Boom Boom' had 2 kills (one from her patented 'Williams' Glide') and a blocked point; and a paltry 3 kills from Lauren Michael (one from the back row). With each point the crowd got louder - 'juicing' the ladies even more; the bench was into the moment- and doing "the Wave"; and the Lady Bulldogs responded by pouring on the attack - stretching the lead to 15 points at 23-8, before relenting to a final score of 25-11. Coach J gave the ladies a rest and substituted players so they could gain some well earned playoff-type experience and to avoid any injuries.

Leaders: Magnolia - Lauren Michael - 12 kills, 1 ace, 9 digs, 1 block; Michelle Williams - 10 kills, 6 digs, 3 blocks; Jamie Kaleh - 7 kills, 1 ace, 4 digs, 1 block; Hannah Fort - 6 kills, 3 aces, 2 digs, 3 blocks; Kelli Stewart - 1 kill, 1 block; Kristin Bergen - 10 digs; Heather Bowden - 3 blocks; Caitlin Holland - 2 aces, 14 assists; Mary Chadwick - 1 ace, 17 assists

Klein Oak - Bridget LaPlante - 13 kills

Records: Magnolia 25 - 11......Klein Oak 27 - 8

OH Lauren Michael launching a kill cross court in Game #2.

Wow!!...What a great warmup match this turned out to be for the Lady Bulldogs! The ladies needed to continue to build up their confidence and momentum (from the Cy Falls' match forward) as they prepare for Tuesday night's match against the Memorial Lady Mustangs. The Mustangs took care of Langham Creek tonight in 3 games (25-15, 25-19, and 25-20) and we can only hope they take Magnolia lightly. The peaking Lady Bulldogs, on the other hand need to prepare themselves, 'lie low' until game time, and play their game aggressively and intensely - like they did tonight! They should feel confident that they can play with ANYbody!

GO LADY BULLDOGS !!! BULLDOG POWER !!! BULLDOG PRIDE !!!

Lady Bulldogs Freshmen A Team Close Great Season

The front line of the Freshmen A team ready to put the ball in play (l to r)

Bethany Brown, (m) Megan Little, and Kristen Haberern against Tomball.

Hello, all you Magnolia High School Lady Bulldogs Volleyball fans! Now that the season is winding down we would like to take the time to acknowledge ALL of the teams' and players' accomplishments and relay how proud we all are of the Freshmen Lady Bulldog Family. The fans are so excited that we are to have these fine young athletes representing Magnolia High School and the community in the future. The Magnolia area has always been known as a great "farming system" for bringing out the best in all of the ladies' athletic programs. The Lady Bulldogs' softball teams, basketball teams, track and VOLLEYBALL teams' successes have been legendary and it's no secret that the hard working coaches do an exceptional job recognizing their talents and cultivating their skills.

OH Chelsea Rauscher hammerin' home a point against a Tomball Lady Cougar.

The Freshmen A team ended the 2005 17-5A district schedule with and impressive 12 Wins with 4 Losses and an overall record of 25 Wins with just 8 Losses. Way to go ladies! The 2005 Freshman A team also took the Championship in the Magnolia tournament. Folks, that was First Place out of 16 teams! The Freshmen A's also finished 2nd (out of 16 teams) in the Katy tournament and 3rd (out of 16 teams) in the Bryan tournament. Quite a remarkable season considering the mid season loss of Middle Blocker/Hitter Breanne Matula who moved up to the Junior Varsity squad and immediately contributed to help the JV win 6 of their last 9 matches!

Celebration time! Ashlynn Newmann (12), Bethany Brown (19),

Meagan Little (23) and Jenna Wheeler (25) cheering each other on.

Congratulations on a fine year, ladies...we'd like to thank the 2005 Freshmen A Team:

Bethany Brown Outside Hitter
Kristen Haberern Middle Hitter / Blocker
Meagan Little Outside Hitter
Ashlynn Newmann Middle Hitter / Blocker
Chelsea Rauscher Outside Hitter
Holly Stephens Libero
Jenna Wheeler Setter
Angela Yzaguirre Setter

The end of year stats will be available and announced at the MHS Volleyball banquet so we'll all just have to celebrate together!!

GO LADY BULLDOGS !!! BULLDOG PRIDE !!!

(Re)Calling All DAWGS... Playoff Schedules:

Recall....Calling All DAWGS.......calling ALL DAWGS....

Thank you all for coming to the match and a BIG thanks for all the support you gave the Lady Bulldogs last night!! The ladies responded to your cheering by playing inspired volleyball and swept the Tomball Lady Cougars out of the Dawg House!! And it was a good time, wasn't it?

Well, we've got to do it again! We are going to need the "Power of the DAWG".......The Lady Bulldogs will be playing a 'warm-up' inter-district match against the Klein Oak Lady Lady Panthers (14-0 district and 27-7 overall) at the Dawg House at 5:30 PM and will need your continued support as they prepare for their Bi-district playoff match next Tuesday. Bridget LaPlante (5.8 kills/game) and Samantha Wilson would undoubtedly love to get some revenge for the victory the Lady Bulldogs earned as they knocked the Lady Panthers out of the Spring Branch Tournament quarterfinals. Of course, we'd like to 'pain' them a little more.....


We're really going to need your help for this one, though.........

Here are the details:
Tues, Nov. 1,
Magnolia bi-district vs. Memorial at 7:30 pm at Coleman Coliseum*...

7:30 pm is the correct time...EVERYONE BE THERE !!!

* directions from Magnolia High School to Coleman Coliseum: 1488 to 149 to 249 to Sam Houston Tollway, Turn right on Sam Houston Tollway W, Take I-10 W, Exit Dairy Ashford and turn left, Coliseum is at 1050 Dairy Ashford on left side. Can't miss it!!

Coleman Coliseum is 'almost' the Memorial Lady Mustangs' home site and there is no doubt that there will be plenty of Mustangs' fans trying to roust our Lady Bulldogs. We need the largest mobilization of Bulldog fans we can put together to converge at this site and to help our ladies....PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO BE THERE !!!

On Tuesday night Memorial took care of their 18-5A 3rd place opponent (Northbrook) by sweeping them in front of their hometown crowd: 25-13, 25-3, and 25-11 behind senior MB Lauren Johnson's 11 kills. Don't be fooled - this team is loaded with talent and the Lady Bulldogs will have to continue to play well in every phase of the game to tame these Mustangs. Memorial has only lost to top quality teams and beat Langham Creek up pretty good earlier in the season. Here's their team leaders:

Name Kills/game
Jr OH Lauren Buchman 2.3
Soph OH Sidney Stewart 2.3
Sr ROH Sydney Ackerley 1.7

Blocks:
Senior ROH Sydney Ackerley blk asst: 124 solo: 15 total: 139 blks/game: 1.8

Digs:
Soph OH Sidney Stewart 247
Junior OH Lauren Buchman 222
Junior DS/L Barbara Thompson 220

Jr Setter Jordan Currie has 435 assists avg is 5.4 / game

18-5A STANDINGS
TEAM DISTRICT OVERALL
Stratford 14-0 30-5
Memorial 12-2 25-11
Northbrook 8-6 21-13

Lady Bulldogs Fight Their Way Into Playoffs !!

Appreciative Magnolia fans cheering on the Lady Bulldogs in the Dawg House.

What a great evening it turned out to be in the "Land of the Bulldog"....it didn't necessarily have to start out that way, but the ladies and coaches worked hard tonight (and all season) to make it happen (again), while giving all the fans and families a real thrill. There was also a chance during this match, for the fans to honor the 4 graduating seniors who will be leaving the team in 'capable hands' after this season and it would be a lot better going out on a good note. The end result which is what we all really wanted, actually exceeded our expectations. The Lady Bulldogs played very well and took the match in a 3 game sweep from their district rival (25-17, 25-23, and 25-17) and have taken a step closer for glory...

(l to r) Seniors Carli Springer, Heather Bowden, Lauren Michael and Mary Chadwick

wearing their new playoff T shirts after their district win against Tomball.

Game #3 found the Lady Bulldogs down 3-4, but from that point forward the Bulldogs never trailed again - thanks to some hard kills and consistent play from Michele Williams, Hannah Fort, Lauren Michael and assists by Mary Chadwick and Caitlin Holland.

Alicia Shaffer led the troops defensively, with 17 digs to go along with her 8 kills, while Lauren Michael had 11 kills with 14 digs and 2 service aces. Michele 'Boom Boom' Williams paced the hitters with 16 kills and Hannah Fort had 9. Mary Chadwick continued to lead in assists with 24 and Caitlin Holland contributed 15 - all in a good team effort and a team victory that will go down in Magnolia High School history as THE game that put the Lady Bulldog volleyball program on par with the elite teams in 5A district play. Simply put, they're as good as any of the district leaders and better than the majority of others. With only 4 seniors graduating, the future looks good for the Lady Bulldogs - but everyone knows, it won't happen without hard work, BULLDOG SPIRIT and BULLDOG PRIDE!!! .....Congratulations to ALL!!!

The 2005 Magnolia Lady Bulldogs showing their big smiles after a great break-through season.

Here's audio at the end of Game #3:

Magnolia JV Finishes Off Tomball Lady Cougars"
Comment -mat4 said... 7:34
"AWESOME and Unbelievable!! That is the only way I can describe the perfomance of the "Lady Bulldogs" against Tomball. What a way to end the season. I want to congratulate all the players on all of the teams. I can't wait for next years season to start up. Thanks to all the coaches as well, they put in a lot of hard work and it showed. Good Luck Varsity!!! "

Reply from MagnoliaBigDog....8:32 "Thanks for your comments and support throughout the season mat4. The players and coaching staff really worked hard to 'get where they got' and sadly we'll have to wait until August of '06 for the next season to begin and to help the new teams reach their next year's goals. But for last night, it was an exciting night of well played volleyball on both sides and it does feel good to enjoy their accomplishments - for the moment!

There's still more work to do for the varsity... but now that the season is winding down, we'll try to get information on the 9th Grade A and B teams as well and put it on the blog. They had a great season as well, and as future Lady Bulldog varsity players, they'll be carrying the 'Bulldog Family Tradition' forward. God's speed to all...."

Lady Bulldogs Pound the Lady Cougars in Game #2

Senior DS Carly Springer passing the ball forward against Tomball.

Game #2...tough audio track. The large, boisterous crowd was loud and drowning us out, but it was the Lady Bulldogs' fault.....they were down 21-23 at the tail end of a tight game and the energy from the Dawg House kicked in as the Lady Bulldogs immediately came back with a Michele 'Boom Boom' Williams thundering kill and then following up with a blocked point to tie the game at 23-23. The audio cut us off....maybe it was meant to be...maybe you just had to be there - because Lauren Michael hammered a great kill shot right down the left court side line for the winning point (25-23) and up in the match (2-0). The Dawg House erupted into a big boom of rousing mixed cheers, screams, applause and barking - and for a moment, it was almost like "being in a surreal Lady Bulldog volleyball heaven" - or something close.

'Boom Boom' Williams follows through with one of her 16 kills against 2 Lady Cougars.

The difference in Game #2 was all Michele Williams...she totally controlled both sides of the net and carried the team by hammering 5 kills when the Bulldogs needed them most. The Lady Bulldogs trailed the Lady Cougars closely until Tomball could no longer contain them at 18-18. Michele had 4 of her kills at this point and team mate Lauren Michael was keeping Magnolia close with her 4 kills, but her 'shot' was still yet to come. Alicia Shaffer had a blocked point and a kill that must've had the Lady Cougars wondering where it was going to come from next. Here's the audio file at 21-23 and the rest of it is on the file above this post:

Lady Bulldogs 'Dog Pile' Cougars in Game #1

Picking up where we left off: Game #1.....Hannah Fort swung to the right on a 'Hannah Glide' to complete a great kill at 23-16 and Lauren Michael put a kill down at 24-16 and finally Hannah and her Bulldog team mates, put the Lady Cougars to rest with a block at 25-17.

Hannah Fort gliding past Tomball's Irene Rump.

Game #1 is in the books and the Lady Bulldogs want to make this a short 'night's work'......

Lady Bulldogs Look Good Taking Care of Business

The Lady Bulldogs knew this one was "for real".

Let there be no denying the Lady Bulldogs their 'just due'...The ladies came out of their pen and immediately got down to business. The ladies needed to start strong and take control in this match and not give Tomball any chance of thinking they could possibly win this game or possibly upsetting the favored Bulldogs by getting to them. The Bulldogs also needed to win and stay in front of Cy Creek in their district, if they wanted to go on any further into the playoffs.

Senior Lady Bulldog OH Heather Bowden putting a kill down the line.

In Game #1 Lauren Michael opened with a kill at 3-1, Heather Bowden at 4-1, Lauren again at 5-2 and a flurry from Alicia Shaffer, Hannah Fort, and a kill from Michele "Boom Boom" Williams put the Lady Bulldogs in charge at 10-5. A Kelli Stewart cross court kill and several 'dinks' later (one by Michele and two by Hannah); then topped off with a Michele kill - put Magnolia in a "sswweeeeeeett" spot at 21-15, which is where this audio picks up. Once again the blog cuts us off (at 23-16), but it was too much fun to 'Delete', so here it is with a follow-up on the next audio blog above:

Magnolia JV Finishes Off Tomball Lady Cougars

A couple of high flyin' Lady Bullpups. Kati Michael (l) and Breanne Matula (r)

Holy Frijole!! Whoever stole our JV players - DON'T BRING THEM BACK!! The impressed fans who were now enamored by this 'new team' in the Dawg House on Tuesday night might not want the 'old team' to come back anyway...the team they saw tonight played nearly flawlessly with exceptional setting, passing, serving and hitting against an opponent that gave them fits in the middle of the season! This 'new and improved' Lady Bulldogs JV team skinned the Tomball Lady Cougars in 2 games 25-17 and 25-14 and did it in impressive fashion.

OH Jamie Paulson shootin' at the Lady Cougars.

The Bullpups led Game #1 from start to finish and had a 15 point advantage at one point. Katie Kreft and Brittany Wheaton got things going with a pair of serving aces and when Breanne Matula lit the Cougars up with a pair of kills at 7-3 and 9-4 - the Lady Bulldogs had the Lady Cougars on the run and looking for a safe place to hide. Katie Kreft added a dink at 10-4; Jamie Paulson had a pair of serving aces to put Magnolia up at 12-4; Katie Kreft topped off a great volley crafted with skilled passing and setting - with a kill at 13-5 and the rout was on. The Bullpups really earned their points tonight! Mandy Gray had a couple more serving aces; Chelsea Jackson had a block and block assist with Kati Michael to put the score at 20-7; Jamie Paulson had a dink; Kati Michael a kill; and when Breanne Matula slammed 'another one home' at 23-8 - the Bullpups were barking BIG TIME!! The game was out of reach at this point, so the Dawgs let up a bit and coasted until Tomball made a serving mistake to end it at 25-17.

The Lady Bulldogs either touched or stopped almost every

ball coming across the middle this evening against Tomball.

Game #2: another great game start to finish. Again strong 'net play' and 'ball control' put the Lady Bulldogs in control early at 6-3 and Tomball was becoming a little more flustered with each point. When Kati Michael had a service ace down the court line at 8-4, the Lady Cougars made a comment to the line ref, and was overheard by the "Up ref" who drew a yellow flag to quell their frustrations. Hadn't seen that it quite a while! Another Breanne Matula kill and 3 nice kills by Katie Kreft at 15-8, 16-8 and down the right side at 18-10 - really put the Bullpups on the top and no time to look back. Consistent play and some well placed balls and good blocking thrown in, made it seem effortless as the Bullpups finished the game at 25-14, the match 2-0, the district (8-7), and the season - very similar to the way they started the season (with different players though).....Strong!!

Get used to it, Tomball. "There's a new sheriff in town". Her

name is Breanne Matula and you'll be seeing a lot of her!

Congratulations on an exciting and rewarding season ladies. You should all be real proud to be a LADY BULLDOG!! We are looking forward to years of great volleyball out of you, ladies!! BULLDOG SPIRIT and BULLDOG PRIDE !!!

A short audio clip with JV results, recorded before the Varsity match:

Calling All DAWGS !!!

Calling all DAWGS, Calling all DAWGS.......

Folks, we are putting out a special message to ALL the Magnolia Lady Bulldogs Volleyball fans :

Senior Mary Chadwick

PLEASE call your friends, families, aquaintances and/or 'significant others' and invite them to come along with you to watch the Lady Bulldogs finish up their last district match against their long time rival: the Tomball Lady Cougars. You will undoubtedly be treated to a great, exciting, volleyball match; you would help support Magnolia High School and a deserving bunch of ladies; and have an enjoyable evening to boot - all for a little $3 general admission fee!! (I read recently that a match between two 5A volleyball high school rivals in the Austin area brought in 1900 hometown fans for their games...Wow!)

Senior Carli Springer

The Lady Bulldogs have worked extremely hard and have appreciated the support they've received all year long, and they will need that special 'Bulldog spirit' as an advantage for this game. The ladies would love to have as many fans at the game as possible to participate in the fun as they beat Tomball (for the second time this season) and to secure a 3rd place standing in one of the toughest 5A volleyball districts around. A victory in front of a large hometown crowd would be a nice way to send this team to the state playoffs - the first Magnolia 5A volleyball team to do so - and in turn, will put Magnolia volleyball on the 'map' as one of Houston's best areas for ladies' sports for years to come! A lot of people know about the Magnolia softball, track and basketball programs, but not enough know about how successful the ladies' volleyball programs have been at the 4A level and now, at 5A!!

Senior Heather Bowden

Tuesday night Oct 25th at 6PM, may be the last chance to see the ladies play this season at the Dawg House AND it could be the last time to watch our four great seniors: Carli Springer, Heather Bowden, Lauren Michael and Mary Chadwick - suiting up as Magnolia Lady Bulldogs team mates! Tuesday night will be 'Senior night' and has always been a special night for the graduating players...finishing it up against Tomball - makes it even better!

Senior Lauren Michael

Please, parents, grandparents and friends - COME ON DOWN and CHEER THE LADY BULLDOGS on to victory to cap off one of their most successful seasons ever - and have a great time doing it!! In addition, if you arrive before 5 PM you'll be able to watch the JV's beat up on Tomball - included in the admission price!! See you there!!!

GO GET 'EM LADY BULLDOGS !!!

Lady Bulldogs Bite Lady Rams at Crunch Time

Lady Bulldog Alicia Shaffer (shown serving here) had a good night playing

against Cy Ridge. Alicia and Michele Williams teamed up for a final block

assist that ended Game 3 and the match at 25-20.

We're in Game #3 where Cy Ridge put up a great fight keeping it close from the beginning of this game. Michele 'Boom Boom' Williams (15 kills for the night) took control of this one and literally 'rocked' the house with two kills: one at 10-11 and another at 14-13 (registered 7.6 on Richter Scale). After Hannah Fort had a nice kill at 16-13, the Lady Bulldogs decided it was a good time to take a short nap, and after awakening to the shrill of a whistle when a Magnolia time out was called- found themselves down 18-19. A Lauren Michael kill tied it at 19-19 and an Alicia Shaffer kill made it 20-19.

Lady Bulldog Caitlin Holland (junior) showing perfect form with an underhanded set.

This audio picks it up from there at 20-19:

17-5A STANDINGS 10/25/05

SEED TEAM DIST ALL SEED TEAM DIST ALL

1. Cypress Fair 15-0 30-3 vs 3. Cypress Creek 11-4 19-14

2. Langham Creek 12-3 23-9 vs 4. Cypress Falls 7-8 13-18

3. Magnolia 11-4 23-11 vs 6. Tomball 4-12 9-19

Lady Bulldogs Put it Together in Game #2

Coach J. and K. keeping the ladies on the 'edge' during a break at Cy Ridge.

This audio picks up at the tailend of Game #2 with the Lady Bulldogs dominating the scoreboard with maybe their biggest point differential against an opponent all season. We absolutely hate to gloat, but that was an old fashioned 'whupping'....

Lady Bulldogs Shred Rams in Game #2

'Boom Boom' Williams punishing Cy Ridge with this bullet.

Michele finished the night with 15 kills.

In case anyone was wondering whether or not the Lady Bulldogs would have a lapse or a letdown whatever, this Game #2 surely put their mind at ease. It was called total domination - from a Kelli Stewart block at 2-0; Lauren Michael kills at 4-1 and 5-2; two kills by Alicia Shaffer (quick kill at 8-5 and at 9-6); then a Michele Williams bullet at 10-7 and an assist block with Alicia Shaffer at 11-7; another kill by Alicia at 12-8; and then to Magnolia playing DEFENSE.

Lady Bulldog senior Heather Bowden puttin' the

hammer to Lady Rams' middle Reagan Cabeen.

The ladies virtually shut off the Ram's faucet and went on a scoring binge of 13 to 1 to douse the hopes of anyone thinking 'this could be the night for the Lady Rams'......This audio picks up at 22-8 with the Lady Bulldogs on 'cruise control'. And once again, the blog cuts us short on the last play. (The next audio blog above, finishes Game #2 and a re-cap)....

Lady Bulldogs Ice the Lady Rams in Game #1

The Lady Bulldogs enjoying the moment on the sidelines...

I almost forgot about this audio post! This is the end of Game #1 and our trusty reporter Rusty Kibbles was collared by a "Cy Ridge High School representative" who tried to make us shut down our blog.... Yeah, Right!! Maybe somewhere in the former Soviet Union pal, but not here in Houston, Texas!! I can only guess he wasn't handling the 'beating' his team was taking "very well", and they possibly would play better if we didn't report on the game...

Not on our 'watch' !!!...........

Lady Bulldog libero Kristyn Bergen passing the ball

while team mate Alicia Shaffer directs traffic.

GO LADY BULLDOGS !!!

Lady Bulldogs Jump Out at the Gate

The Lady Bulldogs came to the Cy Ridge Lady Rams' gymnasium needing to keep pace with the elite teams of District 17-5A and to iron out any wrinkles as they prepare to bear down on a possible playoff spot. This team continues to go in unchartered waters and by securring a playoff spot - this would be the FIRST Magnolia team to earn a district 17-5A playoff game since the Bulldogs have moved from 4A to 5A. Tonight was also Cy Ridge's Senior Night and it was a nice ceremony and such, but in the back of the Magnolia fans' minds, they didn't want their Lady Bulldogs to feel TOO generous and give up some games, or even easy points. Momentum can be a very dangerous thing!

Setter Mary Chadwick drawing Cy Ridge to the middle while

backsetting to Kelli Stewart whose waiting in the 'wings'.

Game #1 started out similar to Tuesday night's match against Cy Falls: 0-2 then 2-4, but got on track with a Hannah Fort kill at 6-5 and an ace serve at 10-7. A flurry of well earned points by Heather Bowden block at 11-8, the Williams' Glide (executed to perfection) at 12-9, Alicia Shaffer ace serve (13-9) and a Lady Rams error - put the game 'on hold' with a Cy Ridge timeout at 14-9. The Lady Bulldogs picked up where they left off before the time out and blasted another Michele Williams kill, Lauren Michael's kill, Caitlin Holland's ace serve and an Alicia Shaffer's kill and were sitting pretty at 21-15 when this audio picks up. This audio blog disconnected pre-maturely at around 23-16 and is picked up on the next file.

Magnolia JV Outlast Lady Rams

The Lady Bulldogs JV took 2 out of 3 against a stubborn Cy Ridge Lady Rams JV team, Friday evening in a hard fought match. The scores for Magnolia in the games went like this: 25-23, 19-25, and 25-15. This wasn't the best exhibition the Bullpups have put on this year, but it was still good enough to beat an improving team that may give others a hard time in the near future.

Lady Bullpup Hannah Davies 'listening in' to the Lady Rams as they call out their strategy.

Game #1 was an "Error-fest" on both sides, but with some shining moments. The Bullpups shot out to an early lead with some good net play by Chelsea Jackson and Jamie Paulson to put Magnolia on top at 7-5. Cy Ridge came back and briefly took the lead outscoring Magnolia 6 to 2 until Chelsea had two aggressive hits in a great volley that brought the Bullpups back to a more managable 10-11 defecit. The Lady Bulldogs caught the Lady Rams at 12-12 and held on to a close lead at 17-16 before the Lady Rams made another run of 5 points to Magnolia's 2 after a long exciting volley and were perched on their little mountain at 21-19. The Bullpups again jumped on them and ending up scoring 6 points to their 2 with the help of a Chelsea Jackson 'left handed' kill and a clutch, cross-court kill by Ashley Howe to earn the top spot as the "Dawg" of the Hill with a 25-23 victory.

Lady Bulldog JV Middle Blocker/Hitter Chelsea Jackson shown

here, controlling her space for the whole evening against Cy Ridge.

Game #2 started out almost the same way as Game #1, but with the teams switching roles! Magnolia took the first point with a Jackson hit, then fell back at 2-4, 4-6 until the trio of a Brittany Wheaton ace serve, Breanne Matula hit, and Chelsea block tied it up at 9-9. Magnolia took the lead at 13-12 behind Katie Kreft's kill and it started to look like this was going to be a short evening's work. The Lady Rams kicked themselves into high gear ripping Magnolia 6 points to 1 and it was time for the Bulldogs to call a time out at 14-18 and re-group. Once play resumed, Cy Ridge came back and solidly crunched the Lady Bulldogs by pulling away - outscoring Magnolia 7 to 5....final: Magnolia 19...Cy Ridge 25....ouch!!

Lady Bullpups Sydney ONeal (left) and Breanne Matula

crouching while waiting for an errant Lady Ram attack.

Game #3 was still different than the other two. The Lady Bulldogs really put it together and led the Lady Rams down the path and into the pit - leading from start to finish. Again, Ashley Howe, Chelsea Jackson, and Jamie Paulson dominated the front line with their kill shots and strong net play and helped Magnolia keep a commanding lead 4 points at 10-6, 5 points at 16-11, 7 points at 20-13 and finally 10 points at 25-15. Now that's taking care of business!! Great job ladies!

Next on the hit list for Tuesday 10/25: those despicable Lady Cougars JV from Tomball.

Recapping the scores in the audio below:

Lady Bulldogs Claw Lady Eagles

Setter Mary Chadwick setting to a charging Hannah Fort.

Mary finished with 15 assists and 2 aces for the match.

The Magnolia Lady Bulldogs made believers out the Cy Falls Lady Eagles and all the fans in the Dawg House as they came back 'big time' Tuesday night - in both of the first two games! After the Bulldogs snatched these two games, Cy Falls was emotionally spent leaving the door open for the Lady Bulldogs to clamp down on them and complete the second sweep of the Lady Eagles for the season. The Lady Bulldogs (who must continue to win their remaining games in order to keep ahead of the Cy Creek Lady Cougars - you know, the 'bad guys' who are nipping at their back paws) were facing a dangerous opponent who was picked by some as the district champion earlier in the season. The pre-season decision by 'All Everything' Jennifer Doris to sit out her junior year and an unexpected injury to Courtnee Rhodes changed all that - but the Cy Falls Lady Eagles still have great players and were not to be taken lightly.

OH Lauren Michael slamming it off Cy Falls' hands...

In Game #1, the Lady Bulldogs trailed by as much as 6 to 8 points before scattering the Lady Eagles and pulling it out at the very end 27-25. Cy Falls was up 16-8 before the Lady Bulldogs began running off a string of points with Catlin Holland serving very well. Magnolia closed the game to 16-15 and finally tied it up at 18 each. The Lady Bulldogs were down 22-24 before rallying to tie and eventually win in extra play.

Lady Bulldog junior Caitlin Holland transitioning the play to 'attack' mode

against Cy Falls. . Caitlin had a 'career' night with 23 assists and 3 serving aces.


In Game #2, the tables were turned and it was the Lady Bulldogs who were on the endangered list with a 20-24 deficit before they came back and scored six straight to win 26-24. There was some awesome clutch hitting, blocking and digging by everyone... Great job, ladies!

Hannah Fort and Alicia Shaffer both working overtime

to turn the match back into the Lady Bulldogs' favor.

Game #3 was the 'closer' as the Lady Bulldogs lead by as many as 15 points during this game and took away the wind underneath the Lady Eagles' tired wings with a 25-16 score. Late substitutions by both sides allowed Cy-Falls to make the final score a little more respectable.

We be jammin'... Lady Bulldog Sam Lange showing Lady Bulldog Power.

This match was a 'major league' character builder for the team especially at a time when the team needs to peak at/during post season. It was a very balanced attack with Caitlin Holland collecting 23 assists and 3 aces, while Mary Chadwick added 15 assists along with her 2 aces. Michele Williams blew in 12 kills, 4 block assists, and 3 aces of her own while Lauren Michael chipped in 13 kills along with her 12 digs. Alicia Shaffer had a busy evening with 16 digs, 1 block assist, and 9 kills, even nailing one from the back row! Hannah Fort contributed 7 kills with her 2 solo blocks and had some help from Jamie Kaleh with 1 solo block, 2 block assists and a kill thrown in. Combined with a fine effort from Kristyn Bergen (10 digs), Sam Lange and Kelli Stewart (1 kill each), and senior Heather Bowden (1 kill and 1 block assist) and one can tell the ball was moving all over the court!

Kelli Stewart (18) & 'Boom Boom' Williams (23) stoppin' 'em.

Next meal for the Big Dogs' dish: Cy Ridge, Friday night, Oct 21st at 6 PM. Come support your Lady Bulldogs as they fight to clinch their 'first ever' 5A playoff spot in District 17-5A !!

MHS Lady Bulldog 'All Around' Kristyn Bergen diggin' 'em.

GO LADY BULLDOGS!!!

TEAM DIST ALL 10/19/05
Cy-Fair 14-0 29-3

Langham Creek 12-2 23-8
Magnolia 10-4 22-11
Cypress Creek 9-4 18-14
Cypress Falls 6-8 12-18

Lady Bulldogs JV Ground Lady Eagles JV

Lady Bulldog JV Katie Kreft OH puttin' it on a couple of Cy Falls Lady Eagle defenders.

The Magnolia Lady Bulldogs JV swept the Cy Falls Lady Eagles JV for the second time this season, on Tuesday evening at the Dawg House by 25-19 and 25-18 scores.

The other Lady Bulldog JV (Kati Michael) shown here going for an attack on the right.

I thought we'd break 'rank' here and invite any of the fans or parents to write in their comments of the games played Tuesday and replying here - and we can get an overall view of the match. We'll only publish 'worthy' comments!

The Lady Bulldog bench urging their team mates on for their second match win against Cy Falls.

GO LADY BULLDOGS JV !!!

Comment -
mat4 said... 9:04 AM
"I believe the JV ladies played great last night! We were running a little behind at first on both games, but worked together and put Cy-Falls in their place. Great blocks, some kills and awesome serves! That's what it is all about. Way to go ladies!! "

Reply -

MagnoliaBigDog said...12:25 PM

"Great comment mat4....these ladies have faced tough situations and have been incredibly 'resilient' all season long. They are becoming inspirational to watch."