The Lingleville Lady Cardinals volleyball girls were perched as District Champs of 14-1A and 23rd in state after extending their win streak to 11 last week after a pair of home victories.
On Oct. 15, they fought for a four-set win over Bluff Dale.
“Bluff Dale was one of the toughest opponents we have had to face in a while,” said Lingleville head volleyball coach Brandon Haught. “I can definitely see why they are ranked statewide. They did a good job of disguising where they would attack from, and would change things up on us often.”
This smokescreen led to Bluff Dale taking the first set 26-24 (after Lingleville fell behind from an early lead), but the Lady Cards took wing and claimed the next three sets with Bluff Dale, scoring 20 in all three before Lingleville got to 25.
“Our kids were looking forward to this game all weekend so they were amped up,” said Haught. “Our student section was amped up too, it felt like a late-round playoff game.”
Stat Leaders were Madison Howle with 13 kills and 9 blocks (a career high in 1 game for blocks); Kenleigh Jones with 6 aces, Denise Toledo with 36 digs and Dylan Gibson with 34 assists.
The Lady Cards took the home court again Oct. 19 for a three set victory over Rising Star.
“The girls did just about everything right in this one,” said Haught. “They set the pace from the get go, they swung hard and it paid off. Going against a zeroblock defense is different but as long as our girls kept attacking things would eventually fall in their favor.”
Rising Star scored 20, 10 and 14 in the three sets before LHS got to 25.
Stat leaders were Madison Howle with 19 kills and Dylan Gibson with 32 assists.
“I’m proud of all our kids for their hard work and dedication to the team as we have gone on a pretty crazy run here the last two months,” Haught added. “I’ll have my Junior High students ask me if I think I will jinx it if I talk about our winning streak. No, I do not think that will happen. We were 4-19 at one point and almost made it all the way back. That has nothing to do with luck, it’s these girls and their commitment to turning our season around that have gotten us here!”
Haught also reported the JV are district champions and Jr. High likely will be after this week.