Lady Bears control own destiny in 22-4A race

[KFDM COOP]

Lady Bears control own destiny in 22-4A race

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

LITTLE CYPRESS — Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

That’s the philosophy for long-time head coach Vicki Castino and her Little Cypress-Mauriceville volleyball team in what has been a whacky District 22-4A volleyball season.

Once again, the Port Neches-Groves Rock-A-Noos and legendary coach Barbara Comeaux have found their way to the top of the standings with a perfect 10-0 mark. The Rock-A-Noos have persevered, winning several five-game matches, including two against LC-M and one at Lumberton on Tuesday.

The rest of the district remains somewhat muddled with three matches to go.

LC-M and Beaumont Ozen are currently tied for second-place at 7-4. The Lumberton Lady Raiders are breathing down their necks at 6-5. Beaumont Central is 5-6 followed by Dayton and Nederland, both 4-7, and 0-11 Vidor.

“It’s been crazy all year, so I won’t be surprised with a crazy finish,†Castino said. “Just look at all the five-game matches that’s been played so far. Anybody can win on any given night.â€

The Lady Bears snagged a much-needed 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 25-13 against Dayton at the Bear Cave Tuesday night. Senior Morgan Blohm powered the arsenal, putting up 23 kills in a “smashing†win.

Perhaps the best thing going for the Lady Bears is that they close out the regular season with three straight matches at home. They host Nederland Friday, welcome Lumberton Tuesday and will close with Vidor Oct. 19.

So, it’s simply no-excuse time for the Lady Bears. They control their own destiny.

“We’re real fortunate that the schedule played out this way,†said Castino. “The kids realize that they need to take care of business at home. They also know that anything can happen in this district and that they have to go out and play each match like it’s a playoff game.â€

Lumberton heads to Ozen Friday in a match that can certainly stir the pot. Ozen also has Vidor and Central left on its schedule while Lumberton also has to play Nederland.

Castino has enjoyed watching the Lady Bears prosper with the likes of usual starters Blohm, Christine Sicktich, Jordyn Davis and Shayna Sheppard but the rest of the Lady Bears have rose to forefront in recent weeks to aid in the success. Maci Wilcox, Kaci Olson and Olivia Hinds have shined off the bench.

“We’re getting a tremendous effort from all the kids,†said Castino. “Our bench play has been awesome the last couple weeks. I always tell the kids that their opportunity will come and when they get in, they’ve really done a terriffic job.â€

The District 22-4A race isn’t the only district that’s far from being decided.

In District 21-3A, both Bridge City and Silsbee sit atop the 21-3A standings with 10-1 marks. Ironically, both squads fell to each other on their own home court. Third-place remains up in the air as well after Orangefield downed Hamshire-Fannett Tuesday. The Lady Bobcats improved to 6-5 in district play while H-F slipped to 7-4.

Bridge City visits Jasper Friday while Orangefield heads to Kirbyville.