Jasper falls to Orangefield in volleyball
Lady Bulldogs fall in five games to district foe
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Deanna Spikes

The Jasper Lady Bulldogs gave up a second chance to earn a district win, falling to Orangefield in five games last week. Friday's game against West Orange-Stark was canceled due to Hurricane Humberto and has been rescheduled for Sept. 29.

After a 25-14 loss in game one, Jasper took the second and third games 25-22 and 25-23. After falling behind early in game four, they were able to tie the Lady Bobcats several times; but could never get the upper hand, losing that one 25-18 and forcing a fifth game.

Orangefield earned their first four points on Jasper's mistakes in game five and again, the Lady Bulldogs were not able to catch up. At game's end, the Lady Bobcats came away with a 15-9 victory to secure the series win.

"We just lost our fight in the fifth game," Coach Casey Murphy said. "We were doing the right things, but we let them win the fourth game and couldn't catch back up.

Amber Grant was top server with 21. Janice Shelby had 15 good hits and Deanna Spikes dug up 27 balls in the series.

Amber Grant

"I saw some good things, some improvement," Murphy said. "We are definitely better than when we first started. Our work is paying off even if we aren't winning games. Again, our opponents saw our weaknesses and capitalized on those."

The Lady Bulldogs are still having difficulty covering the court and communicating.

Junior Varsity picked up their second district win, knocking Orangefield out in two games, 25-19 and 25-20.

Michelle Wallace led with 10 good serves, followed by Julia Morris, eight; and Ruby Avant, six.

Breeunna Hafford had 10 good hits, followed by Avant with six.

Avant also dug up 14 balls; Hafford followed with 11, and Marissa Mays contributed nine.

"The JV team is doing a great job," Murphy said. "They work well really well together."

Jasper played Bridge City last night and will be at home Saturday morning against Hardin-Jefferson. Game time is 10 a.m. They play Hamshire-Fannett at home Tuesday, Sept. 25..

Janice Shelby