Families were split apart in the name of fun Tuesday, Aug. 20 as the Lady Lions JV and varsity volleyball teams played alumni in some fast, frenetic games.
The decision to face alumni came after the original game with Poolville was canceled.
More than 20 coaches, family members and former Lady Lions took to the court to help the current squads sharpen their skills for the season. As players of all ages lobbed an impressive serve or put power into a spike, Lady Lion players and fans expressed surprise at the hidden volleyball prowess in several community members.
“That is the most laughing I’ve ever had/done at a volleyball game,” said head Dublin volleyball coach Lauryn Risinger. “I’m so glad it was a hit with everyone.”
Alumni which included several coaches and faculty members won over JV gold in two sets but JV green gave their team a stronger fight as it went into three sets. As varsity took the court, the Lady Lions faced a large crowd of parents, siblings, former Lady Lions and neighbors in a battle that was as fierce as it was funny.
The tone of the game was immediately set as Lady Lion Summer Anderson faced Dublin Athletic Booster Club President Ryan Mitchell in a rockpaper- scissors match for who got to pick possession. Fellow Lady Lion Bailey Watson helped stare down Mitchell as they threw signs and Anderson and Mitchell ended up in a mock shouting match that drew referee Greg Cisneroz to laughter.
The game went to three sets with Lady Lions narrowly crushing competition in final scores although eagle-eyed fans may have noticed the alumni score going up suddenly after one of their players visited the score keepers and diverted attention. Even with the suspected shenanigans, it wasn’t enough to take the victory away from the varsity though.
The Lady Lions then traveled to Hico Friday, Aug. 23 where the varsity girls lost in three sets.
“Our endurance allowed us to push through and hang with them,” said Risinger. “We fought hard and are continuing to improve.”
Coach Vanessa Longoria reported that although both teams lost in two sets to Hico, JV Gold showed great improvement from the previous week and JV Green continues to grow as a unit. Longoria said both teams had great communication and played well.