Italy’s junior high volleyball girls matched up well against Milford

Barry Byers Posted September 20, 2013 3:30pm Lady Gladiator Volleyball

Image: Italy 8th grader Brycelen Richards(23) sets the ball for her teammates. — Italy 8th grader Brycelen Richards(23) sets the ball for her teammates. (Barry Byers)

Milford — After Italy’s 7th grade volleyball girls defeated Milford in 2 sets, the Italy 8th grade team challenged the Milford 8th grade team immediately afterwards with plenty of Italy fans making the short drive down Highway 77 to Milford’s gym.

With Italy’s 8th graders struggling to adjust to the enclosed environs of the Milford gym, as compared to the openness of Italy Coliseum, Milford’s talented group took advantage and then took control of the first set to win 25-14.

Italy settled down and responded in the second set to take a 20-18 lead before Milford rallied to win 25-21. All in all, It was a good outing for both Italy teams that keep getting better and better with every set.

Go Italy Junior High!

Italy 8th grader Emmy Cunningham(27) goes for the spike. (Barry Byers)

Italy 8th grader Grace Haight(29) bumps the ball to her teammates. (Barry Byers)

Annie Perry(13) patrols the middle for the 8th grade team. (Barry Byers)

Emmy Cunningham(21) shows her versatility at the net. (Barry Byers)

Grace Haight(29) goes for the block against Milford’s Jenaria Brooks(2). (Barry Byers)

Trying to tap it over for Italy is Annie Perry(13). (Barry Byers)

Annie Perry(13) with the backwards bump. (Barry Byers)

Grace Haight(29) waits for that ball to fall out of Milford’s rafters. (Barry Byers)

Milford’s Jace McIntyre(1) serves to Italy. (Barry Byers)

Italy 7th graders Taylor Boyd, Tatum Adams, Cassidy Gage, Karson Holley and Hannah Haight mingle in the bleachers after their win over Milford. (Barry Byers)

Lady Gladiator, Taleyia Wilson, supports Italy’s junior high teams way over in Milford. (Barry Byers)

Grace Haight(29) prepares for the serve from one of her teammates. (Barry Byers)

Sydney Weeks(26) and Grace Haight(29) are ready at the net. (Barry Byers)

Annie Perry(13) keeps the volley going with Brianna Hall(38) backing her up. (Barry Byers)

Granddaughter, Brycelen Richards(23), takes a break while grandmother, Rita Garza, keeps the game book as Paige Cunningham(1), Kirsten Viator(11), Annie Perry(13), Sydney Weeks(26) and Brianna Hall (38) hold their ground while Emmy Cunningham(27) serves from off the frame. (Barry Byers)

There she is! Emmy Cunningham serves for Italy during the second set. (Barry Byers)

Coaches Tina Richards and Holly Bradley huddle with their girls. (Barry Byers)

Italy 8th grader Rachel Huskins to serve. (Barry Byers)

Incoming! Marlen Hernandes(16) reacts to a Milford serve. (Barry Byers)

Italy 8th grader Jenna Holden(34) serves for Italy during their battle in Bulldog Country. (Barry Byers)

Milford’s 8th graders defend their home court to win in 2 straight sets over Italy! Pictured left to right are: Haley Jones, Jace McIntyre, Jenaria Brooks, Marquisha Houston, Caitlin Ledbetter and Kieauna Hurtt. (Barry Byers)