ACADEMY – Playing in their final tournament of the season, the Thrall Tigerettes (16-4) looked strong against tough competition at the Academy Tournament. The Tigerettes posted a 4-2 record in the twoday event, losing only to Class 4A schools Salado and Burnet.
Thrall opened pool play on Friday with a tough loss to the Salado Lady Eagles, 25-19, 25-23, but bounced back to beat Marble Falls 25-12, 25-17.
“I thought we played pretty well against Salado, but they have a strong team, and we struggled at times,” said Thrall Coach Bethany Grissom. “I thought we played much better against Marble Falls.”
On Saturday, playing in bracket play, the Tigerettes drew eventual tournament champion Burnet in the opening round. Thrall had previously beaten the Lady Bulldogs at the Bay City tournament, and while this match-up was as equally exciting as their previous tilt, Burnet bested the Tigerettes 25-19, 29-30, 15-13.
“The Burnet game was really good,” Grissom said. “We fought right with them, except for game one. Burnet has a strong team.”
Next up was Live Oak Classical. Thrall came out red hot and rolled over the Lady Falcons 25-14, 25-9 to advance to the consolation finals and a rematch with the Lady Eagles of Salado.
The second match-up against Salado went a little differently than the first. The Tigerettes dominated the opening set 25-18 and had a chance to earn the sweep, before falling 25-23 in the second set. In the final set, Thrall got off to a quick start and cruised to a 15-7 win to finish off the tournament.
“I thought we played well in all three matches on Saturday,” Grissom said. “We’re trying out some new lineups and combinations, so we are still learning. But, the girls are staying together as a team, and that is a definite positive for down the road.”
Thrall, currently ranked seventh in the latest Texas Girls Coaches Association poll, was back in action Tuesday when they traveled to Giddings for a tri-team match with the host Lady Buffaloes and Hallettsville. The Tigerettes will be off until next Tuesday when they host the No. 2-ranked Iola Lady Bulldogs (27-1).
