Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Tigers senior Alexis (Lexi) Eden (6) returns the volleyball against ACH during a home match Oct. 23 in Odessa.
ODESSA - Almira-Coulee-Hartline swept Odessa 25-10, 25-22, 25-8 in a varsity volleyball match Thursday night, ending the Tigers' season on Senior Night and leaving them one spot short of the league championships.
The Warriors dominated the first and third sets, but Odessa pushed ACH to the limit in the second, trading points in a back-and-forth battle that showcased the Tigers' resilience.
Odessa coach Alli Schroeder said her team prepared extensively for high-pressure situations.
"We focused heavily on scenario practice," Schroeder said. "Training our minds and bodies to stay composed and side out in less than two points. The hard work showed, as we executed that game plan well throughout most of the match with great ball control, communication, and composure."
Despite the effort, one difficult rotation in the first set allowed ACH to build a lead too large to overcome.
"We battled hard in set two against ACH, going point for point the entire way," Schroeder said. "We had incredible serving runs, solid passing and defense, and strong blocks and hits at the net that kept the pressure on."
Missed serves ultimately made the difference, she said.
"Aubrey Iverson and Jordyn Lewis were stand out players that night," Schroeder said. "Jordyn is our setter but she showed off her offensive abilities that night. Not only did she set all the way around, but she had 7 awesome kills. Aubrey is our freshman libero who plays like an experienced senior. She had 17 digs and was all over the court giving beautiful passes."
The loss dropped Odessa to fifth in the league standings. Only the top four teams advance to the postseason tournament.
"This season set the tone for what I want my program to be," Schroeder said. "We built our foundation, created a culture, and became family. I'm beyond proud of my athletes and everything they've accomplished together. The way they bonded, supported each other, and represented Odessa makes my heart full."
Thursday marked Senior Night for the Tigers, who honored their only graduating player, middle hitter Alexis Eden. Eden is the daughter of Holli and Chris Eden.
Odessa statistics: Jordyn Lewis 7 kills and 8 assists. Alexis Eden 3 blocks. Aubrey Iverson 17 digs
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