UP & OUT: Despite upset win over Grandview, Lady Cubs playoff hopes end
CLIFTON – Playing before an enthusiastic home court crowd on Senior Night, the Clifton Lady Cub volleyball team rose to the occasion, avenging a first round loss to Grandview with a thrilling five-set victory over the Lady Zebras Tuesday evening in a District 17-3A matchup at the Clifton High School gymnasium.
Facing a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Lady Cubs (4-8 in district, 17-20 overall) shook off a slow start after losing first set, 25-13, to win the next two sets in dramatic fashion by identical scores, 27-25, 27-25. Grandview (5-7, 18-17) responded by winning the fourth set, 25-15, Clifton rallied in the tiebreaker to win, 15-12.
“The girls went out and did wonderful,” Clifton volleyball’s first-year head coach Paige Poth said. “We did have a few times we struggled, but we instantly bounced back. Game 5 we started and ended wonderful.
“There was so much energy and leadership in that game. Both of my seniors, Josephine Burke and Audrey Anderson, really kept the momentum going every point and every set and illustrated great leadership on the court with their heart and hustle.”
Despite the dramatic victory, the Lady Cubs were eliminated from postseason contention when Rio Vista (7-5, 17-15) posted a dominating, 25-9, 25-9, 25-6, straight set victory over Waco Harmony Science Academy Tuesday. Clifton will play host to Rio Vista today at 4:30 p.m. before wrapping up the season at Whitney (8-4, 29-13) next Tuesday.
“Overall, all the girls worked hard and played well together and pushed each other every point,” Poth said. “I was very proud that they continue to work hard every game and find new ways to get better.”
In other District 17-3A action today, the undefeated and fourth-ranked West Lady Trojans (12-0, 36-4) visit Whitney, 21st-ranked Maypearl (9-3, 30-9) hosts Keene (3-9, 6-21), and Harmony Science Academy (0-12) hits the road to take on Grandview.
Photos by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS
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