Kilgore knocks off Nac
Lady Bulldogs now 2-1 in District 14-4A play
By MITCH LUCAS sports@kilgorenewsherald.com

Photo by Lester Murray BIG WIN — Kilgore's Kathryn McIntyre (left in photo) helped the Lady Bulldogs defeat Nacogdoches in four games on Friday afternoon here at KHS gymnasium. Kilgore's varsity volleyball team, which has had its share of difficulties over the last 16 years, is now 2-1 in District 14-4A, and visits Whitehouse on Tuesday. KHS is attempting to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Two seasons ago, when the Dallas Cowboys had improved under the instruction of coach Bill Parcells, a teary-eyed Parcells said, "You can't call them losers anymore."

Kilgore High School second-year coach Lacy Thompson might have felt the same way on Friday night following her team's four-game win over Nacogdoches that included an emotional 30-28 win in game three. The Lady Bulldogs, who haven't made the playoffs in volleyball in over 15 years and have regularly been at or near the bottom of the standings for the last seven years, are looking good.

The Lady 'Dogs didn't play well in non-district games this season, but they've certainly improved, and never was it more apparent than in Friday's home win over Nac. Kilgore lost the first game, 19-25, but then won the next three, 25-23, 30-28, 25-22. KHS has won two straight, and without a bad few minutes against Jacksonville could be 3-0.

At any rate, 2-1 in District 14-4A is very good at this stage. Kilgore only has to finish in the top four in the six-team district to make the playoffs, something no KHS volleyball team has done since 1992.

Things started rocky on Friday, with Nac winning game one, although the contest did go back and forth. Game two had its share of lead changes as well before a kill by Kathryn McIntyre gave KHS the 25-23 win.

But game three brought the crowd to its feet.

Kilgore raced out to a big lead and on the strength of serving by Sarah Morris, the Lady Bulldogs won seven straight points, taking a 19-10 lead.

But the Dragons shrank it. Before long, Nac had tied the game at 21, then took the lead at 22-21. McIntyre had another kill that tied it again, but Nac came back once again.

Kilgore finally won the match point when one of its players along the net — either Raven Wiley or Kelsey Jackson at the time — tipped the ball just inside enough that no Nac player could reach it. Game four was almost a formality — Kilgore never trailed and won, 25-22.

For KHS on the night, Sarah Morris had six blocks, four kills and three aces, and did a phenomenal job serving. Kat McIntyre had four kills and three aces, and also did a great job from the line, as did China Hughes.

Jackson had four kills and two blocks; Wiley had three blocks, two kills and an ace; Andrea Ashley had two kills and a block; Haylee Wright had a block and a kill and Lesta Eaton had a kill.

Kilgore's freshmen won, 25- 14, 25-10, and Kilgore's junior varsity lost, 20-25, 22-25.

The Bulldogs' volleyball teams are on the road Tuesday night, playing at Whitehouse. Freshmen begins at 5 p.m. Kilgore returns home on Friday to host Lindale — varsity will begin at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.