Lady Ducks VB drops another five-set heartbreaker
ANDREW SALMI [email protected]
GIDDINGS — The Taylor High School varsity volleyball team squared off on the road with District 22-4A foe Giddings High School on Friday, Sept. 22 in a battle of undefeated teams within their district.
“Giddings is undefeated in district and tied with us for first in district. Our goal for the season is to be district champs, so the girls know there is a lot on the line for this game,” Taylor first-year head coach Rylee Davis said prior to the match. “We try to take our time in highpressure scenarios seriously, so we can get comfortable and play relaxed on big game days. We’ve analyzed our weak spots, and we’ve taken a look at potential strategy for the game vs. Giddings based on what they’ve done this year.”
Like the match on Sept. 19 vs. Jarrell High School, this was a five-set match that could have easily gone in favor of either talented team.
Unfortunately, for the second time in one week, the Lady Ducks fell in a five-set heartbreaker as they were edged by the Lady Buffaloes: 26-24, 27-29, 25-20, 23-25 and 9-15.
The Lady Ducks again played their hearts out but came up just short despite some outstanding play against the defending district champion Giddings. Taylor senior Hannah Wamble was again a major factor in keeping the Lady Ducks fighting until the end as she had a team-high 17 kills, 25 digs and 13 serves received. Junior Haley Harms, who continues her rise as another standout on the team, impressed with 16 kills and received 39 serves on the night.
“Haley Harms’ progression as a player this year has been so heartwarming to experience as a coach,” Davis said.
“Being an upperclassman, I understand how it could be hard to change the way you do things and your thought process. Haley has been so open to trying the things I tell her, consistently asks questions to understand strategy better, and is more than willing to get to work on and off the court.”
Taylor senior Camryn Nunamaker had 21 assists and 13 digs, sophomore Makenna Watson was again all over the floor with a team-high 29 digs and 32 serves received, sophomore Peyton Wamble had 17 assists and senior Ansley Reed added nine kills.
Following a crucial road match on Tuesday night at Caldwell High School, who like Giddings also has a 4-0 district record, the Lady Ducks (21-12 overall with a 3-1 mark in district) will return home at 5 p.m. on Friday night to host Smithville High School.
