Lady Bobcats getting ready for volleyball playoffs

The Orangefield Lady Bobcats played a pair of four set matches last week. The Lady Bobcats lost at home to Buna before winning at the Orangefield Gymnasium against Kountze.

Tuesday's match on October 17 between Orangefield and Buna was tightly contested. The Lady Cougars lost the opening set to the Lady Bobcats 25-22 before winning the last three sets 25-22, 26-24, and 25-21 to claim the victory.

The turning point in the match was the pivotal third set in which Orangefield led 23-20 before Buna scored four straight points to reach set point. The Lady Bobcats saved a point to tie the set, but the Lady Cougars won the next two points to take the set and the advantage in the match.

The Lady Bobcats led the fourth set by three points 13-10 before Buna went on a five point run to take the lead. The set was tied at 21 then the Lady Cougars won the last four points to grab the set and the match.

Leaders for the Lady Bobcats in the loss were Greenlea Oldham with 17 kills, Lela Francis with 3 blocks, and Hannah Block with 18 digs. Brianna Moore had 36 assists and served 3 aces to lead Orangefield in both categories.

Orangefield Coach Ashlee Peevey said the Lady Bobcats did not rise to the occasion on every point. "I felt like Buna maybe wanted it just a little bit more tonight. Hopefully, we respond to this loss, and we carry the momentum into the rest of district and in the playoffs," Peevey responded.

The Lady Bobcats did respond positively in their next match defeating Kountze on Senior Night. Orangefield recognized seniors Ava Dyer, Kaitlyn Jenkins, Kaylea Gravett, Brianna Moore, Greenlea Oldham, and Lela Francis who were playing their last match at home.

The first two sets were split with Orangefield taking the first 25-22 before dropping the second 20-25. The Lady Bobcats upped their game winning the next two sets handily 25-13 and 25-12 to earn the triumph.

Seniors were leaders on the court for Orangefield. Lela Francis led in aces with 4 while blocking 2 volleys and making 7 kills. Greenlea Oldham had 11 kills and Kaitlyn Jenkins matched Francis with 7 kills. Brianna Moore led as she does every match with 35 assists and added 11 digs.

Underclassmen Hannah Block served 3 aces and contributed 15 digs. Freshman Mikayla Locke led the Lady Bobcats with 21 digs.

Orangefield closed out the regular season and district schedule on Tuesday, October 24, at Anahuac. The Lady Bobcats will be in the post season against an opponent to be determined.