The Wortham Lady Bulldogs lost out to Rio Vista at the Area playoffs in four sets: Lost 17-25; Won 29-27; Lost 24-26; and Lost 17-25.
The young Lady Bulldogs battled and played hard against the 15 AA district champions.
Lady Bulldog Madison Newhouse taking care of the ball against Italy. (Photo by Jennifer Lansford)
Leading the offense for the Lady Bulldogs was senior setter Reagan Stuver with 32 assists, 17 digs, and 2 kills.
Freshman Riley Winstead led with 8 kills and 2 blocks.
Junior Cate Samford had 7 kills and 3 digs.
Sophomore RaShay Covey had 7 kills and 2 digs.
Freshman Madison Newhouse had 5 kills and 1 assist.
Freshman Dakota Butler had 5 kills and 1 dig.
The defense for the Lady Bulldogs continued to be a strength as Libero Kenlie Stuver had 23 digs and 1 kill. Defense specialist Grace McCoslin had 6 digs and 1 kill and Allie McCoslin had 6 digs and 1 kill. Kayla Hernandez had 1 dig.
The Lady Bulldogs faced a rebuilding year after losing 8 seniors last year and only having two returning players for this season. The Lady Bulldogs finished second in district behind Bremond to secure the 23rd consecutive year of playoffs for the Wortham volleyball program.
“The girls battled hard against a more experienced team in the playoffs,” said Wortham Head Coarch DeAnna Whaley. “We came to the playoffs having only two players with playoff experience and we faced a team with all seniors and juniors. After the nerves settled, our girls really came together and proved how far we have come since August.”
“We were competing with very young players,” continued Coach Whaley, “three freshmen and three sophomores, and proving that we were fundamentally strong and we will return next year ready to advance further in the playoffs. We will lose our setter, Reagan Stuver, but have all our other Lady Bulldogs.”
