Lady Gladiators take on Milford inside the storm shelter

Barry Byers Posted September 13, 2009 12:45pm Lady Gladiator Volleyball

Image: Lady Gladiators volleybrawl with the Milford Lady Bulldogs — The Italy Lady Gladiators challenged the Milford Lady Bulldogs inside Italy Gladiator Coliseum. The dome provided shelter from the lingering rainstorm outside, but it couldn’t hold back the relentless storm of attacking Lady Bulldogs who spiked their way to winning 3 straight sets. — Lady Gladiators volleybrawl with the Milford Lady Bulldogs — The Italy Lady Gladiators challenged the Milford Lady Bulldogs inside Italy Gladiator Coliseum. The dome provided shelter from the lingering rainstorm outside, but it couldn’t hold back the relentless storm of attacking Lady Bulldogs who spiked their way to winning 3 straight sets. (Barry Byers)

Inside one of the world’s ultimate storm shelters, a Monolithic dome, known locally as Italy Gladiator Coliseum, the Lady Gladiators battled the Lady Milford Bulldogs in volleyball.

Unlike many area football games, and other outdoor events cancelled on Saturday due to the recent storms, Italy’s domed gymnasium provided a safe and exciting place for neighboring foes to compete.

After the Italy JV pulled out a tenacious win against the Milford JV, Italy and Milford’s Varsity squads went at it sword and claws.

Unfortunately for Italy, they were without one of their main weapons in Jimesha Reed. A recent ankle and tendon sprain kept Reed out of the contest between these friendly rivals.

The Milford Bulldogs pinned their ponytails back and came ready to play. Italy’s blockers consisting of Melissa Smithey, Molly Haight, Alyssa Richards, Kaitlyn Rossa and Shay Fleming did their best to hold off the Bulldog attack. It seemed, however, that for every good play turned in by the Lady Gladiators, Milford would make two good plays.

In fact, the Lady Bulldogs more than doubled the Lady Gladiators in total scoring as well, 75-27. Milford won all three sets to take the match 25-12, 25-14 and 25-11.

Megan Richards did her best to setup her scorers but Milford was able to return the fire and extend the volleys.

Drew Windam, Jameka Copeland and Kyonne Birdsong had their forearms full trying to digout the onslaught of volleyballs flying into Italy’s backcourt.

It’s always tough when a key player goes down, but expect Italy to regroup under head coach Andy Windham and figure out a way to win.

Go Lady Gladiators!

Get it! Get it! — Megan Richards (11) and her sister Alyssa Richards (5) try to keep their chances alive against Milford as Drew Windham (4) and Shay Fleming stay ready. (Barry Byers)

Taking momentum — The Lady Gladiators huddle after a point against the Lady Bulldogs in an effort to turn the rare point into a late rally. (Barry Byers)

Gimme’ five! — Megan Richards and Jameka Copeland take time to celebrate a good play. (Barry Byers)

Bulldogs attack — The Lady Bulldogs were not very lady like as they served up a loss to the home team. (Barry Byers)

Rossa and Jeffords — Kaitlyn Rossa (3) and Cori Jeffords (9) attempt a block against Milford. (Barry Byers)

Never give up! — Coach Andrea Windham encourages her Ladies to keep battling. (Barry Byers)

Two good — Rossa and Jeffords go for another block. (Barry Byers)

At the ready — Jameka Copeland and Alyssa Richards stand at the ready position awaiting Milford’s serve. (Barry Byers)

Carrying the torch — Bernice Haley, Ryisha Copeland, Ashley Harper and Kendra Copeland are proud to be a part of the Lady Gladiator tradition. (Barry Byers)

Ahead of the game — Coach Andrea Windham will head back to the drawing board and develop a winning game plan. (Barry Byers)

M.V.W. — Jimesha Reed, a most valuable weapon for the Lady Gladiators, is sidelined with an ankle injury and was unable to compete against Milford. (Barry Byers)