A high level of volleyball was displayed by the Italy Lady Gladiators on Friday. The ladies were hustling around the court, shifting formations on the fly and backing each other up with a new found vigor. When every lady on the floor has the same desire to win, positive things are likely to happen.

And positive things did happen on Friday when the Lady Gladiators were matched up in a best 3-out of-5 with the Rice Lady Bulldogs inside Italy Coliseum. Credit first year head coach Heather Richters who’s competitive nature is beginning to grow like wildfire within her teams. Also, props to the players who have appeared to embrace Coach Richters’ system with the right attitude.

Sure there has been some highs and lows, but the Lady Gladiators were over the top against Rice and fans can expect that trend will continue. After sending a message to the Lady Bulldogs with a 25-21 win in the first set, the Lady Gladiators jumped, spiked and digged their way to a 6-3 lead in the second set.

After Italy built an 11-5 advantage, Rice tried to gain some ground and pulled within 4-points, 12-8. The Lady Gladiators were just too savvy around the net and Bailey Bumpus, Kaitlyn Rossa and Brianna Perry imposed their will to help Italy rise to a 20-11 lead.

Italy’s Megan Richards was all over the Coliseum’s court setting up teammates for the power shots. You know, those kind of shots that might make a young girl question why she every took up the sport of volleyball in the first place.

Helping to deliver those hard knocks to the Rice side was Megan’s little sister, Alyssa Richards. Tina Richards, proud mom of the “Sisters of Smash” agreed, “Alyssa had one of her best games so far. She was really spiking the ball well.”

Rossa was dominant from the serving line and Italy finished up the second set with a 25-17 win.

It looked as though Italy would end the contest quick after taking an 11-3 lead in the third set. Rice got cooking, however, and managed to close the gap 12-9. Italy just couldn’t shake the Lady Bulldogs from their heels and Rice tied the Lady Gladiators 23-23 before finally getting their first taste of victory, 25-23.

Richters was boiling over after the Rice comeback and had a long talk with her team during the break. The ladies responded and the athleticism of Brianna Burkhalter, Anna “Hollywood” Viers and the entire Lady Gladiator cast dashed the hopes of the Lady Bulldogs with a 25-22 win in the fourth set.

The Italy JV team was not quite as lucky as their fellow Lady Gladiators; however, they came to the court ready for battle. In the game 1, Italy scored first against the Lady Bulldogs and brought in the reins. Italy finished this game 25-20. Rice came back in Game 2 and 3 and shut the games down with 25-19 and 15-12.

Go Lady Gladiators!