Hartselle Volleyball Advances to North Region Quarterfinals
The Hartselle Tigers volleyball team put on a dominating performance in the three-set victory over visiting Mortimer Jordan Thursday evening.
The Tigers defeated the Blue Devils 25-9, 25-8, 25-19 to advance to the North Super Regional quarterfinals on Wednesday.
“I thought that the girls came out focused and ready to play,” said Hartselle coach Tanya Lybarger. “I was glad that we were able to get the young girls some experience in the third set.”
In the first set, Hartselle broke open a tight game they were leading 8-6 with 15 straight points to extend their lead to 23-6. They scored 17 of the sets’ final 20 points to go up 1-0.
The second set was similar to the first as the Tigers broke open a close game, 8-5, with a 16 point run to lead 24-5. They took the second set 25-8.
Hartselle secured the match with a 25-19 victory in the third set. The Tigers emptied their bench to give the reserves a chance for some postseason experience.
“I was glad that we were able to get the young girls some experience in the third set,” said Lybarger.
The Tigers were led by Grace Tapscott who recorded 30 assists along with six kills and five digs. Hailey Holshouser added seven kills and seven digs while Lillyanna Cartee finished with six kills, six digs, and three aces. Jadyn Chesser had eight kills, Jessica Jarret had twelve digs, and Tori Hughes added seven digs.
“We have to continue to focus on every play throughout the postseason,” said Lybarger. “We have to expect the best from every team we face moving forward.”
Hartselle (49-10) will face Homewood (30-17), a three-set winner over Fort Payne, in the quarterfinals in the VBC North Hall on Wednesday at 2 pm.