Lady Kats go down fighting in Area playoffs

The Kennedale Lady Kats who had earned a #7 state ranking in Class 4A, the highest ranking achieved by a Kennedale volleyball team in recent years, lost out in area play against rival Abilene Wylie Saturday 3-1. {{more}}

 

the first game set the script …

The first set determined the script for the sets to follow, an early lead followed by a dramatic comeback. In the first set Wylie aggressive?s play caught Kennedale off guard putting the Lady Kats in a 11-3 hole. The Kats as their record proved were not going to let any game go without a fight. After Wylie had established a 20-10 lead, Kennedale went on an 11-4 run bringing the game in reach at 24-21 but Wylie was able to close it out at 25-21.

After that first setback, Kennedale came out in Set 2 and dominated, winning the first point and never trailed. In a reverse of the first game, the Kats were the ones up 11-4 early in the game. At 23-15, it seemed over but Wylie fought back with 6-1 run of their own. But at 24-21, Kennedale had the advantage and took the set at 25-21, tying the match at 1-1.

 

set 3 was the game everyone expected …

Set 3 was the best set of all. The Kats spotted Wylie 4 points at the beginning of the game but there was never any big lead established by either team. Rather, it was a back and forth game after Kennedale charged back with a 6-1 run to take the lead at 6-5. It was tied at 9-9, 13-13, 18-18 and then 23-23. Kennedale was in control at 24-23 but lost the advantage when Wylie tied it at a 24-24. Needing to win by 2 points, it was Abilene that came up with the final 2 points to win 26-24 and take a 2-1 advantage in the match.

 

set 4 was deja vu …

Set 4 was a replay of the first set, with Abilene taking a big lead at 11-3. The Lady Kats seemed drained and Wylie built a ten point lead, reaching 18-8. It was at this point that the Kats came alive, sparked by a Ranaja Taylor kill, and went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 18-16. Abilene responded with a quick 4 points to make it 22-16. The Kats came back with a 5-1 run to bring it back to a 2 point game at 23-21. Wylie and Kennedale swapped points but at 24-22, Wylie finished it to win 25-22 and the match at 3-1.

Wylie (17-15, 6-1) moves on to the regional quarterfinals to play Decatur (22-19, 10-0). Kennedale finishes the season at 30-14, 10-0.

Stats: Wylie vs Kennedale …

Emma Rifle (Jr) K-3, Att-18, B-1, D-4, Asst-1, BHA-2, R-1

Jodie Dixon (Jr) K-1, Att-6, A-1, D-11, BHA-5, R-7
Katie Miller (Jr) R-3
Darby Smith (Sr) K-7, Att-19, A-1, D-4, R-4
Raeley Crosley (So) K-8, Att-27, B-2, D-2, R-3
Bethany Klinkenberg (Jr) K-3, Att-11, D-2, BHA-2, R-3
Ranaja Taylor (Jr) K-12, Att-29, A-1, B-4, D-9, BHA-4, R-16
Grace Guadagnolo (Fr) A-1, D-9, BHA-5, R-23
Kylie Foster (Sr) Att-1, D-8, Asst-17, BHA-78
Kendall Vondra (Sr) K-6, Att-30, B-2, D-4, Asst-14, BHA-45, R-2

 

K-kills, Att-attack attempts, A-aces, SA-total serves, B-blocks, D-digs, Asst-Assist, BHA-ballhandling attempts, R-serving receives success