WITH WIN IN FINAL ROAD GAME, VOLLEYBALL BEARCATS TURN ATTENTION TO SENIOR NIGHT

Obviously they aspire to have a regional and state tournament appearances but on Tuesday the Bearcat volleyball team made its last non-bracket road trip.

On Tuesday the destination was Atkins where, after dropping the first set, the Bearcats took a four set win over the Red Devils (18-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21).

They did so with seniors Ellie Smith and Shelbie Myers providing highlights up front. Smith threw down seven kills and had four blocks while, Shelbie Myers recorded six ills and had five blocks.

Junior Vanessa O’Neal had five kills and classmates Kaylee Ray and Cameron Parish added four, with the later picking up additional playing time due to an injury to Presley Walker, another junior.

It was seniors leading the way in the back as well as Lilly Downs had 41 digs and Emily Wooldridge had 25. Smith contributed 17 more and both Rylee Haller and Lyddia Franklin had 11. Downs and Farrah Stringer also had two aces apiece.

That brings the seven seniors – Smith, Myers, Downs, Wooldridge, Franklin, Haller, and Stringer – to their final scheduled home game on the schedule with Lamar in town tonight for senior night following games between seventh grade, junior high A, and JV teams.

It will not be, however, the final home appearance for the Bearcat players as Bearcat Gymnasium will serve as host of the Conference 3A-5 tournament starting on Monday and continuing through Thursday.

The top four seeds will then advance to Mansfield for a regional tournament.