The Lady Dogs played their first volleyball game of the year against the Lady Jackets at Vincent High School, Thursday, Aug. 23, and came away with a victory win of 25-7, 25-12, 25-7.  The varsity team put up a really great fight against Vincent, and hopes that such a win will be indicative of their season.  
    The varsity team was boosted by junior varsity’s win and entered the court enthusiastic for their own win.
    “I was definitely pumped up after watching JV win,” senior Josy Martires said.  “This was a great way to start off this season and see what each of us needs to work on to improve.”
    Volleyball coach Tena Niven felt the team had a good win, as well.
    “They did well, playing a young Vincent team, and making a good start to the season,” Niven said.  
    “My goals for this season are to work hard and get better as an individual player,” Martires said.
    In order to help the team mentally prepare for games, Niven makes them ride the bus to their destination in silence, only being able to listen to music or sleep.  The girls also attended volleyball camp this summer to improve basic skills.
    “Camp was great,” Niven said.  “Coach White from the University of South Alabama came by and coached the girls a lot.  They worked on hitting, passing, setting and spiking.  Such intense practice kept the girls on their toes, and really prepared them for this season.”  
    Players also feel the camp helped them focus on their performance.
    “Camp was amazing,” Martires said.  “It was a chance for me to refine my skills.  The camp coaches were great and taught us a lot.  I am thankful Coach Niven set up the camp for us.”   
    The camp is paying off, as the Lady Dogs beat Vincent in three straight games.
    Senior Sarah Hyde had four kills and four digs, followed by juniors McKenna Anderson and Kerringtan Maddox with three kills.  Senior Megan Draper, junior Odalys Gallo and sophomore Isabella Howell all had two kills, and seniors Sabrina Neighbors and Martires each had one kill, contributing to their victory.
    “I felt very confident in the team and happy for the win,” Anderson said.  “We work hard towards a win, but always know there’s room for improvement.  We must keep motivated and live up to our potential.”
    Other members of the volleyball team include senior Brittany Anderson; juniors Danielle Blake, Dee Childs, Emily Colley, Dara Cook and Kirklynn Hamby; and sophomores Isabella Howell and Hope Wilder.