One Tough Test

Lady Lions open playoffs against state-ranked Pine Tree
November 1, 2010

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Greenville's Lady Lions will face a tough test in their bi-district volleyball playoff match tonight.

The 18-16 Lady Lions are facing a 32-10 Longview Pine Tree team at 7 in Lindale. Pine Tree is No. 24 in the Texas Girls Coaches Association's Class 4A state rankings.

Not only that but the Lady Pirates have won two straight bi-district championships, beating Henderson last year and Kilgore in 2008. They lost both years at the area round, to Waxahachie in 2009 and Waco Midway in 2008.

"They're big, they're powerful," said Lady Lions coach Melissa Anderson.

However, the Lady Pirates are also young, she said.

"They run with nine (players)," said Anderson. "Eight of them are sophomores and juniors."

Whitney Ford leads the Lady Pirates with 308 kills and 76 blocks.

J'Keisha Evans has 289 kills to go with 29 blocks.

Jane Anne Blount has put away 228 kills and has 49 blocks.

Lauren Cude is a versatile player for the Lady Pirates with 211 kills, 146 digs and 614 assists.

Emily Shelton is Pine Tree's main other setter with 487 assists.

Hannah Robe tops Pine Tree's defense with 262 digs.

Pine Tree finished second in District 14-4A to Hallsville, ranked 12th in the state.

Greenville was third in 13-4A behind Royse City and Denison.

Emelie Kilgore, a 5-9 1/2 senior, led the Lady Lions in district play with 115 kills, 48 blocks and 15 service aces.

Shanterria Riley, a 5-6 1/2 senior, set for 208 assists, plus had 37 kills and 19 aces.

MacKenzie Cooper, a 5-10 sophomore, added 75 kills and 34 blocks, Maygan Bloyed chipped in 51 kills and 5-3 sophomore Maddy Crabtree added 78 digs and 19 aces.

Anderson said the Lady Lions had a good week of practice in preparation for this match.

"We need to go in there and work hard," she said. "Don't make the small mental mistakes. Keep our energy up. We've just got to play a strong, hard, quick game."

The winner of this match advances to the area round to face District 15-4A champion Red Oak, ranked 17th in the state.