Lady Tigers gear up for final five 24-3A matches
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Wharton's Megan Joost serves up the volleyball in a recent match against Sealy.

COLUMBUS - Wharton's volleyball team entered Tuesday's District 24-3A match against league-leading Columbus in third place with a 7-2 record.

The Lady Tigers beat Brookshire Royal in three games on Friday. Columbus beat Sealy to improve to 9-0. "We're in a great position being two matches ahead of Sweeny," said Wharton coach Shauna Eller on Monday.

Second-place Needville beat rival Sweeny in three games to improve to 8-1 and played 1-8 Stafford last night.

Sweeny was 4-5 before playing winless Royal and Columbia had the same record before playing Sealy who was 3-6. "We still have to finish our own schedule," said Eller.

Wharton coach Shauna Eller said Monday that her team was capable of beating Columbus who had won 23 straight matches dating back to last season.

"Hopefully we'll get in there tomorrow and beat them," said Eller. "It's not just not making the playoffs but hopefully moving up to second or first. It's still a long way to go."

But the Lady Tigers have been playing good volleyball over the past few weeks - despite losing to Needville.

"Last Tuesday against Sweeny we played a good all around great match," said Eller.

"We had some excellent hustle plays and just dominated them. On Friday we held Royal to under 30 points in three games. Collectively the girls have been playing very hard."

It hasn't been just been one person contributing to the success but a team effort. "They're a great group of girls and we have great leadership from the seniors," said Eller.

The seniors included setter Megan Joost, hitter Sharneace Johnson, and defensive specialists Brittany Gutierrez and Brittany Francis.

"They work together well and all get along," said Eller. "That's important."

"A team is never one person. It takes the passer, the setter, the servers and blockers. It takes the substitutes and the bench."

Besides the seniors, sophomore hitter Heather Reynolds continues her dominance on the front line and freshman newcomer Shaniqua Dogins has stepped up as a hitter.

Vernequa Taylor, Judith Sanchez, Jalessa Jones, Elizabeth Reyes and Jenise Harris have also contributed to the Lady Tigers 17-10 season record.

"To be well rounded makes a team," said Eller. "If somebody is having a bad match, there is somebody to pick them up and help them."

The Lady Tigers still have four matches left and visit Columbia on Friday.

Sealy hosts Needville, Columbus plays at Royal and Sweeny hosts Stafford.