Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hornets battle past Gators in bi-district

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In a pressure-packed situation with their backs to the wall, the Gatesville Hornet volleyball team delivered one of its finest performances of the season, battling back from a 2-1 deficit to clinch a 3-2 bi-district playoff win over the Georgetown Gateway Prep Gators Nov. 1 in Belton.

Although every member of the team played a role in the hard-fought win, a trio that stepped up and cast long shadows for the Hornets were senior Kayleigh Haywood, freshman Emily Pollard and junior Barrett Boyd.

When the match was on the line, it was often one of those three stepping up to take control in a big way with stellar play that helped elevate Gatesville’s competitive spark.

In the first game of the match, the Hornets took an early lead but could not completely seize the momentum. In a seesaw battle, the Gators surged back and grabbed the early edge, winning 25-22.

Undeterred, the Hornets responded by grinding out a tough 25-22 win of their own in game two to knot the score.

Gateway played its best ball in the third set, grabbing a 3-0 lead before Gatesville settled down and battled back. The Lady Hornets led 14-12 at one point, but the Gators went ahead 16-15 and never again trailed in set three, although there were plenty of ties and one-point leads. The Gators controlled momentum late and won the third set, 25-21.

Gatesville needed back-to-back wins to survive and advance to the area playoff round, and with the pressure on the Lady Hornets responded with inspired play. Some outstanding shots by Haywood and Boyd set the tone, and an ace by Pollard gave GHS a 20-13 lead. After what had been a close struggle, Gatesville pulled away with a 25-17 victory, with the game-winning shot coming on a kill by Haywood.

The fifth set was another close battle early on, but the Lady Hornets seized control and earned a 15-10 win to get the playoff victory.

Gatesville and Gateway appeared to be evenly matched, but strong fan support helped elevate the Lady Hornets’ play. Following the win, GHS students rushed the court to celebrate with the team.

Gatesville improved to 23-19 with the victory, while Gateway ended its season with a 21-9 record.

Next, GHS will face Caldwell at 7 p.m. Friday at Academy High School in the area round of the playoffs.