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.
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.
