Several Lingleville Lady Cardinals received district honors as the team ended the season in the Regional Playoffs Nov. 6 against Joneboro in Hamilton.
Those distinctions were:
■ Denise Toledo & Sophie Hudson, District Co-MVP
■ Nevaeh Jacinto, Newcomer of the Year
■ Jazmin Martinez, Marti Luttrell, Dylan Gibson 1st Team
■ Alexa Aviles, Virginia Bivens - 2nd Team Head volleyball coach Brandon Haught told his players throughout the season that they were likely sharpening their skills to face Jonesboro in the playoffs and the Lady Cards definitely brought a fight to them.
“We came out and brought the giant to its knees in the first set,” said Haught. “We completely took them by surprise, they may have even underestimated us.”
Jonesboro rallied from the offensive and took the next three set for a 3-1 victory but Haught is proud of his team for the strength of that opening and the determination they showed. “Winning that first one was something the team is super proud of,” he said. “Jonesboro had not lost a set since September 2nd, over two months ago.”
“Taking that set Thursday night may end up being “the set heard ‘round the state,” Haught added. “I definitely wouldn’t want to see Lingleville on my schedule if I were another coach next year.”
Although the team is proud, Haught said they are not satisfied and look forward to building on their success next year. The entire roster will return next and may have some talent from JV and 8th grade moving up to make the team even stronger.
“We have already begun rebuffing our schedule,” Haught reported. “We have added more 3A games and are looking for some potential 4A matchups... Look out for the Lady Cardinals!”
Haught share the following moments of pride from this season:
■ spent 8 weeks ranked in the top 5 of 1A
■ 25 & 12 record
■ 1st place Dublin Tourney, 2nd place Meridian Tourney, 3rd place Lingleville Tourney
■ 4th straight District Title
■ 2nd straight Regional Quarterfinal appearance