SWEEPING TO VICTORIES

Winning 13 of last 14 matches, Class 3A Clifton Lady Cubs build momentum in preparation for District 17-3A with two straight set wins; face Class 2A’s second-ranked Bosqueville Tuesday

Winning 13 of their last 14 matches in straight set sweeps, the Class 3A Clifton Lady Cubs have their eyes on the prize as they continue to build momentum heading into District 17-3A competition a little over a week away.

Coming off a successful week with back-to-back dominating wins, the Lady Cubs (19-10) travel to Bosqueville to take on Class 2A’s second-ranked Lady Bulldogs (25-1) at 6 p.m. Tuesday before enjoying an open date in the schedule this Friday for Homecoming Night.

Clifton will return to action by hosting the Bruceville-Eddy Lady Eagles (11-7) in its final non-district match at 6 p.m. Sept 24, before hosting the West Lady Trojans (19-9) in the District 17-3A opener Sept. 27. Other District 17-3A opponents include Troy (14-11), McGregor (10-8), Whitney (4-12) and Waco Harmony Science Academy.

“The girls are very intentional on what their goals are this year,” Clifton volleyball head coach Joy Holzmann said. “We continue to get better each game and practice. The girls are very determined to reach their goals, and the senior leadership of Brylee Heim and Camy Barsh has been great. That’s another reason we are so successful.”

With sophomore Brystel Wise leading the way with 10 kills, the Lady Cubs swept past the Class 4A Lorena Lady Leopards 25-18, 25-19, 25-18 on the road last Tuesday. Wise finished with 12 service receptions, three service aces and five digs, followed by senior Addison Martin adding five kills, two blocks and eight digs.

“The win against Lorena was awesome,” Holzmann said. “Everyone played well, and we went into that match determined to beat them. I am so proud of all the girls’ performances that night.”

With the Lady Cubs delivering a complete team effort against Lorena (16-10), freshman Scarlett Kennedy provided team highs with six service aces 12 service receptions and nine digs, senior Camy Barsh contributed four kills and three blocks, while senior Brylee Heim added three kills, six digs and six service receptions.

Sophomore Madison Otter dished out 19 assists, along with three kills and two blocks, while freshman Lucy New delivered three service aces.

“We probably served our best game for the season along with playing really relaxed,” Holzmann said. “We ended up with 17 aces that night and played great defense. We did a great job of executing what we talked about at practice on Monday. That was a big win for us, and I am so proud of all the girls.”

Extending their win streak to four in a row, the Lady Cubs swept to a straight set victory over the Italy Lady Gladiators 25-20, 25-21, 25-13 on Friday.

“We started a little slow in the Italy match,” Holzmann said. “But we ended up putting everything together and pulling out the sweep.”

In the win over Italy (12-9), Wise led the Lady Cubs with 12 kills, nine digs and nine service receptions, followed by Heim with seven kills, two blocks, six digs and 13 service receptions, Barsh with seven kills and Otter 28 with assists. Additionally, Martin delivered three service aces and four digs, while Kennedy provided 10 service receptions, two service aces and four digs.

“I would like to recognize the entire team for all their hard work and determination to win,” Holzmann said. “I mentioned this before, but this is a very special group. They play as a team, practice as a team and they stick together as a team. They are so trusting and supportive of each other, and they have the best comradery that a team could have.

“They are so fun to coach, and it’s great to watch them grow and develop into a great team. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season is going to look like.”