2nd-ranked Brazos too tough for EB
BY DON MUNSCH dmunsch@fbherald.com

WALLIS - Brazos proved worthy of it's No. 3 ranking in Class 2A to rival East Bernard Tuesday night at Cougar Gymnasium.

The Cougarettes, before a packed house, beat the Brahmarettes 25-5, 25- 12, 25-15 to improve to 2-0 in District 27-2A play. EB slipped to 1-1.

"I've got to give it to Brazos,"said EB coach Kelly Novicke

"They're the best I've seen since in a while here; since they had their last state (champion) team."

East Bernard came out flat and the Cougarettes made quick work in the 20-point win.

"I was dissappointed the way we played in the first game," said Novicke.

"We seemed a little nervous, but settled down for the 2nd and 3rd and played a little."

EB played better in the third game.

"We actually had the lead twice in the third game for a serve or two," said Novicke

The Cougarettes easily won Game 1 and continued the onslaught in Game 2, taking a quick 5-1 lead and holding a stable advantage throughout.

East Bernard challenged Brazos in the third game, taking its only leads of the match at 5-4 and 6-5.

But the Cougarettes prevailed, taking control at 7-6 and building their lead from there, although the Brahmarettes did make a run to cut the led to 15-13 before Brazos pulled away.

Brazos standouts included Johanna Janis who totaled up 12 kills, Jennifer Brandt finished with nine. Kayla Kolafa and Samantha Zapalac had four each.

Setter Morgan Hines had 26 assists

Samantha Wasek, Haley Dawson, Tara Hlavinka, Morgan Perez and Laura Kubes had kills for the Brahmarettes.

Bev Kresta had a solo block and Candice Dusek had five assists.

"I thought we did some good things," said Brazos coach Deena Kolafa.

"There are things we can improve on. Overall, I thought we played pretty consistent all the way around, offensively and defensively.

"So we were working on covering that. I told them tonight I wasn't satisfied. We did not play our best game, but they played well against this tough of a team."

The Brahmarettes visit Danbury on Friday in a 4:30 p.m. match.

In other area matches, Boling beat Van Vleck 25-11, 25-7, 25-7 to even its record to 1-1 and the Lady Leopards slipped to 0-2.

Danbury beat Hitchcock 25-5, 25- 12, 25-20 to improve to 3-0 and the Lady Dawgs slipped to 0-2.

Friday, Brazos plays at Van Vleck and Boling makes the long haul to Hitchcock.

Coming up Tuesday, EB visits Boling, Brazos visits Danbury and Van Vleck hosts Hitchcock.