Italy — The Italy Junior High Lady Gladiators took the court for the first time in 2013 inside Italy Coliseum against visiting Bynum. Italy had three matches scheduled on Monday including a 7B game, a 7A game and then an 8th grade game. Coaches Holly Bradley, Tina Richards and even varsity head coach Morgan Mathews were on hand to help guide the Gladiator Gals as they took their first steps of the season.

The first set was a close one but Bynum outlasted Italy in two sets to win the 7B game. The second matchup was equally exciting but again Bynum managed to take both sets. Italy’s first set win finally came when the 8th grade girls defeated Bynum in the first set forcing a 2-out-of-3 decision. Unfortunately, Bynum was victorious in the final two sets to sweep Italy in all three matches.

With that said, it was hard to tell which school was having the most success. Bynum may have been winning the majority of the sets but Italy’s girls were just excited to be competing again, and even Bynum’s overall dominance wasn’t enough to spoil Italy’s debut. Whenever an Italy’s team was on the court, the other two Italy squads would cheer and cheer, applauding effort plays which were happening with every serve. The comradeship amongst Italy’s players was fun to be associated with. With team chemistry and school spirit such as that, they can never truly beat us!

Go Italy