Despite having to replace a tremendous amount of talent, the Thrall Tigerettes looked in near mid-season form in Tuesday’s season-opening matches against Lago Vista and Cameron.
The Tigerettes had to replace six seniors, including five key players, from last year’s squad, but it appeared that would be just one more challenge the team was up for.
“I thought we played very well, especially with so many new players on the court,” said Thrall Coach Bethany Grissom. “I was particularly pleased with our receiving game. We limited our mistakes, and that made a difference in the matches.”
In their first match, the Tigerettes swept the Class 4A Lago Vista Lady Vikings 25-13, 25-15 and 25-8.
Melaina Grissom and Brynn Leschber, returning starters from last year’s squad, dominated the net in the opening set, and helped the Tigerettes to an early 12-2 lead. From there, it was a business-like performance as the Lady Vikings never seriously challenged in dropping the opening set.
Lago Vista looked more relaxed in the early going of the second set and led the Tigerettes 9-6, but the lead would not last for long. Thrall was able to settle into a routine, led by Melaina Grissom’s serves, and Nevaeh Irvin’s solid net play, the Tigerettes ran off 10 straight points to take a 16-9 lead. Thrall continued to control the net and knocked down the second set.
The final set was never in question.
Thrall led 4-0 early, but the Lady Vikings closed to within 6-4. Great serves from Leschber, Dezi Lopez, and Emily Holybee, allowed the Tigerettes to pull away and earn their first win of the season.
The second match, against the Cameron Lady Yoe, went much the same way as the opening match. Thrall led 9-2 in the opening set, and dominated every aspect of the game, coasting to a first-set win. Cameron did manage to tie the score at three in the second set, but again, the Tigerettes’ dominance at the net was overwhelming, and Holybee’s ace closed out the set.
Cameron was finally able to gain some momentum in the final set, but once again, Thrall’s control of the net made it nearly impossible for the Lady Yoe to make much of a run, although Cameron was able to close to 21-15 late. The teams traded points down the stretch, and the Tigerettes picked up their second win.
“We’re still young, but I thought we played well for the season opener,” Coach Grissom said. “Of course, we still have a lot of work to do, but I think we’re off to a good start.”
Thrall was back in action on Friday, playing in the Cameron tournament. They had pool play games slated with Rogers, Killeen Chaparral, and Jarrell on Friday. Bracket play was scheduled for Saturday. The Tigerettes will return home to host the Lexington Lady Eagles on Tuesday night.
