Lady Gladiators JV and Varsity squads sweep Avalon to improve district records
Lady Gladiator Madison Washington(10) uses her athleticism to keep the volley going during Saturday’s matchup against Kopperl. Italy played at home in the dome against Avalon on Tuesday to sweep the Lady Eagles and improve their district record to 2-2. (Barry Byers)
The JV Lady Gladiators vs. Avalon:
Italy — Before we touch on the recent accomplishments of the Lady Gladiators volleyball team, the JV squad has put together an impressive start to their season as well. The JV ladies, guided by assistant coach Tina Richards, are 4-0 in district, have yet to lose a set during that time and simply have a fun whether their on the court competing are cheering the varsity squad on from the bleachers.
In their last game against Avalon, Italy’s JV squad entered the contest riding high after sweeping Kopperl in two games on Saturday. Halee Turner, Lillie Perry, Kelsey Nelson, Amber Hooker, Taylor Turner and Taleyia Wilson dominate the net, while Hannah Washington, Jozie Perkins, Ashlyn Jacinto, Britney Chambers, K’Breona Davis and Cassidy Childers show no fear or hesitation setting up shots, digging the low ones or chasing down serves and returns. They often have to avoid colliding into one another because of their aggressive nature as a group who will do what it takes to win.
Italy’s ability to serve consistently well is a key factor to the team’s success. If Italy’s JV has a weakness, I haven’t noticed and their competition hasn’t found one.
On Tuesday, Avalon’s JV never really had a chance against Italy’s interchangeable parts as the JV Lady Gladiators swept both sets against the JV Lady Eagles, 25-19 and 25-9.
The Lady Gladiators vs. Avalon:
After defeating Bynum in the first district game of the season to start out 1-0, the Lady Gladiators dropped a match to Milford and then played three close sets but lost to Kopperl, 25-20, 26-24 and 25-22. With a 1-2 record entering Tuesday’s contest against Avalon, the Lady Gladiators seemed to be carrying some momentum into Italy Coliseum from the Kopperl game and swept Avalon 25-20, 25-19 and then 25-9 improving their record to 2-2 in district play.
Head coach Jessika Robinson beamed as Madison Washington, Kortnei Johnson, Jaclynn Lewis, Paige Westbrook and Monserrat Figueroa excelled around the net while Bailey Eubank, Paola Mata, Morgan Cockerham and Tara Wallis set shots and calculated serves. Alyssa Richards was unable to play against Avalon but was on hand to cheer on her teammates.
The Lady Gladiator gunners will be fully loaded against Blum on Friday, September 21, for away games with the JV squads starting at 3:30 p.m.