BETHANY — The Weatherford Lady Eagles volleyball team was one win away from advancing to the state tournament in Bethany.
They defeated Blanchard 3-0 in the regional semifinal game, but fell to Bethany 3-0 in the regional championship game.
“We looked good in the Blanchard game,” coach Sandi Barr said. “I am not sure what happened against Bethany and we made a lot of mistakes. I saw some good things against Bethany as we continued to fight, but it was a disappointing outcome.”
Weatherford 3, Blanchard 0
In the first set, Weatherford struggled early but built a 12-8 lead. Weatherford took control of the set with a kill from Lakin Green giving them a 22-13 advantage. They went on to win the game 25- 13.
Weatherford played well in the second set right from the beginning, taking an 8-4 lead. From that score, Weatherford went on a 10-0 run giving Weatherford a commanding 18-4 lead. Dacia Miranda served 10 in a row. Weatherford played great the rest of the way and won the second game 25-7.
In the third game, Kaydence Bryson had a kill giving the Lady Eagles a 12-4 advantage. The Lady Eagles closed the third set on a 13-6 run and they won the set 25-10 and advanced to the regional final against Bethany.
“We changed our rotation up,” Barr said. “Sydney was not at 100 percent and we were saving her for the Bethany game. We put her in and we did some great things and had some fun. We played well and we got the win.”
Bethany 3, Weatherford 0
The first game was tight early but Bethany built a 6-2 lead. Bethany got a kill from Addie Ray and Weatherford trailed 10- 3. Coach Barr called a timeout. After the timeout, Maddy Hada had a kill. Bethany responded and Weatherford found themselves trailing 17-9. Bethany was ahead 24-9 but the Lady Eagles had a small rally, scoring five in a row before losing the game 25-14.
Bethany was ahead 7-3 in the second game, but Weatherford went on a quick 3-0 run. Weatherford took a 10-9 lead with a kill by Ireland Helton. Green got a block giving the Lady Eagles a 13-12 lead.
However, Bethany went on a 6-0 run and was ahead 18-13. Weatherford rallied with plays like Sydney Barr diving for a loose ball and getting it above the net. Helton had a kill making the score 23-20 Bethany. Weatherford got within 2 points, but Bethany scored the last 2 points and won the game 25-21.
Weatherford trailed 10-3 early. Bethany stretched that lead to 18- 6. Despite Weatherford continuing to battle throughout, Bethany won the final game 25-14, winning the match 3-0.
“We were nervous and our mental game has killed us in the second half of the season,” Barr said. “We have been trying to figure out how to improve our mental game. I told the girls I saw so much potential in them this season and we ended quicker than I would have liked to have seen.”
Barr said she is proud of her girls and they were really close to overcoming their mental game.
“I saw a lot of growth this season,” Barr said. “We were super flexible throughout the season and I think if we could have conquered our mental battle, we could have been better and more successful this season.”
Weatherford finishes its regular season with a record of 19-8.The Lady Eagles graduate six seniors this year and Barr said learning to be flexible will be key for the returning players for next season.
“We have learned to be flexible and have learned how to deal with change,” Barr said. “I told my JV girls if they want to play varsity, they will have to be flexible and play where they might not want or feel comfortable. I am excited to see Jordan Hoffman and McKenzie Burges next season.”