Lady Bulldogs Corralled by Lady Mustangs

It took four tough games and the Lady Bulldogs put on a spirited fight, but in the end -maybe it was not meant to be. After Game #2, Memorial may have wondered if it was their time, as well. After all, the Lady Mustangs have had their own 'baggage' to shed - being the first time in 5 years that they've advanced into the second round of the playoffs. Memorial was focused, determined and wanted it in a bad way and went out and earned their playoff win by playing solidly throughout the match. The 'Stangs played well digging the Dawgs' attacks, and consistently mounting a steady (but not necessarily 'over-powering') offense. The Lady Bulldogs on the other hand, had a harder time executing and controlling the ball tonight and despite doing good things also, could not advance playing less than perfect "Defense".

Senior Lauren Michael playing in her final match as a Lady Bulldog.

The Magnolia scores of the four games went like this: (18-25, 25-22, 18-25 and 19-25). The number of momentum and lead swings in this match were not as frequent as in other matches this season. Sidney Stewart had 17 Kills for Memorial and Magnolia's Lauren Michael finished with 13 Kills for the evening. In Game #1, the Memorial Lady Mustangs controlled the game from beginning to end. They maintained a 4 point spread from an early Lauren Michael kill at 3-7; Hannah Fort kill at 5-9; Jamie Kaleh kills at 7-11 and 9-14 - until Michelle Williams tightened it up a bit with 2 kills (one at 11-15 and another at 14-16). Memorial again asserted themselves and with the help of several errors by Magnolia, they outscored the Lady Bulldogs 9-4 to bolt to a 25-18 finish.

Michele Williams one step ahead of Memorial's

setter by blocking the backhanded attack.

In Game #2, the Lady Bulldogs came out of the gate and controlled this game from start-to-finish. Magnolia jumped on top with a Michele 'Boom Boom' Williams kill at 2-1; and with a couple of Hannah Fort kills and a Heather Bowden kill shot later; throw-in a Williams' block point at 10-8; Kelli Stewart dink at 11-10; a couple more Lauren Michael kills at 12 and 13-11; and finally, a few errors by the Lady Mustangs had them calling for a time out at 16-11. When the whistle blew for play to resume, Alicia Shaffer had a kill at 17-12, Hannah Fort again at 18-13 with the game seemingly "in hand" when suddenly, the Mustangs came galloping back to tie the game at 21-21. A couple of great blocks put the Lady Bulldogs up at 23-21. Kelli Stewart made it 24-22 with a great kill, and an error later - a good 25-22 victory was in the books for the Bulldogs: and more importantly, this comeback-game pumped some confidence into the players and it was beginning to look like: "maybe it was going to be the DAWGS night".

That ball is going "nowhere" after hitting the blocking

wall of Kelli Stewart and Michele Williams (to her left).

Game #3: The 2 teams seemed to reverse roles as Memorial came out from the break a little more aggressive and less 'error-prone' and the Lady Bulldogs were suddenly on their back paws. Memorial controlled the game early, though Michele Williams (dink at 2-4 and block at 9-9) and Hannah Fort (great Hannah Glide kill at 3-6 and hit at 8-9) kept the Dawgs in the hunt. A great volley put Magnolia on top at 10-9 and then a big, booming 'Happy Birthday' kill by Jamie Kaleh put the Dawgs in charge at 11-9. Just when it looked like "things were going our way", one of the few, dramatic, momentum-swings (for both teams on this night) unexpectantly reared it's ugly head, and the Lady Mustangs herded the mistake-prone Lady Bulldogs, outscoring them 16-7 to finish their 'comeback game' at 25-18.

Lady Bulldog Junior setter Caitlin Holland setting 'em up!

Game #4....and the band played on...very similar to Game #3 with Michele Williams, Kelli Stewart and Hannah Fort keeping the Lady Bulldogs close at 8-9. Again, the patient Lady Mustangs kept putting the ball in Magnolia's court and the Lady Bulldogs didn't fare very well defensively. The 'Stangs kept a healthy lead of at least 4 points and began to bang the ball a little harder as the Lady Dawgs couldn't effectively mount a counter-attack. Magnolia falls 19-25.

Just like the Discovery Channel and the harsh Laws of Nature state: "The Strong Survive"...

Records:

Magnolia 24-12; Memorial 26-11

Leaders:

Magnolia, Lauren Michael 13 kills, 10 digs; Michele Williams 12 kills, 6 digs, 6 blocks; Hannah Fort 8 kills, 7 digs; Kelli Stewart 5 kills; Jamie Kaleh 5 kills, 7 digs; Caitlin Holland 9 digs, 20 assists;

Memorial, Sidney Stewart 17 kills, 8 digs, 4 aces; Lauren Buchman 11 kills, 11 digs

Memorial was the victor tonight and they simply played better but Magnolia has nothing to be ashamed of. The fans who traveled to the game showed their appreciation and are all behind the ladies and the volleyball program has a good solid foundation in place. The Lady Bulldogs should take a little time to look back at what they've 'built' this season and be proud of their accomplishments and not be too disappointed with falling short in this playoff match...Think of it this way - by the time these state playoffs are finished - only 1 team will be going home with smiles on their faces!

The 2005 Magnolia Lady Bulldogs returned to Don Coleman Colliseum.

CONGRATULATIONS, LADY BULLDOGS!!!

Comment: mat4 said... 12:37 PM
Ladies, I think you still did a fine job overall this season. You kept the fans sitting on the edge of seats not knowing what to expect with each play. You all did a great job. I would like to commend the four seniors that will be moving on. You were awesome, professional and a role model for those under you. Coaches, what can I say? You're awesome! You put in a lot of hard work and look at the outcome. I can't wait for next season to start. Best of Luck to all in the future!!