Boling spikers prevail over Ganado
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

BOLING - Boling's volleyball team improved to 9-14 on the season after beating Ganado 25-19, 28-26, 25-15 Friday afternoon in the Doghouse.

"We played okay at times," said Boling coach John Black. "We kind of lost focus in the second game.

Boling fell behind 26-25 before rallying back with three straight points.

"We picked it up in the third game and closed it at crunch time," said Black. "That showed a lot of character by the girls."

The Lady Bulldogs had beaten the Maidens a week before in the Edna Cowgirl Classic.

"We kind of had a false sense about us at times, especially after winning the first time," said Black.

"Ganado did a great job defensively and dug a lot of stuff."

Boling got it back going in the third game.

"We started getting our rhythm going as the match went on and played well," said Black.

We still have a few things to work on. On our defensive rotation, we have to make sure that we're communicating."

Charae Grosser led Boling's offensive attack with 12 kills. She also had two blocks with 21 digs and three aces.

Whitney Rachunek added four kills and 12 assists and sister Stephanie finished with three kills.

Jessica Moore and Katie Womack had nine kills each. Womack also had 16 digs.

Setter MacKenzie Baker contributed with 16 assists, two kills and two aces.

She continued to improve, nursing her knee injury.

"I saw a lot better mobility going after a couple of balls," said Black.

"A week ago she wouldn't have even attempted to get to them. I've seen a lot of improvement."

Ebony Ashley had six assists. Kelsey Stolle had 14 digs and Kelli Ermis had 12.

Caprice Lorenzen had three digs and Kiera Jackson had one kill. Boling played at rival Louise on Tuesday and plays Yes College Prep in Houston on Friday afternoon.

"These are big matches and you want to get your rhythm and confidence," said Black.

"Playing these two on the road will be good because our first district game is on the road."

The Lady Bulldogs start playing for keeps next Tuesday when they visit state-ranked Brazos in the District 27-2A opener.

"Hopefully we'll be able to put it together in time next week and have us a good district season," said Black.

"We have to take those 10 matches and play them to the best of our ability."

JV picks up win

The Boling junior varsity beat Ganado 26-24, 25-22 to improve to 4-11 on the season.

Standouts included Kassie Nash, Beth Llanes, Paige Bucek and Janice Arriaga.