In volleyball, a successful defensive effort depends on solid communication and coordination.
Billings displayed healthy doses of each Thursday night, downing Crane in straight sets (25-20, 25-20).
Led by solid, overall play from outside hitter Landry Tennis, Billings was able to string together several four- and five-point mini runs over the course of the match to open up leads and seize momentum.
The senior Tennis was quick to point to the Lady Wildcats’ strong service game as another big factor in the win.
“What was working was the aggression,” Tennis said. “We’re being aggressive, we’re swinging, we’re talking to each other and we’re having really good serves. That’s what won the game for us tonight.”
While Billings was able to win in straight sets, points in the match came at a premium.
In both sets, the Lady Pirates rallied late to close the game to 22-20; however, Crane was unable to maintain the final push.
Each time Crane threatened, Billings was able to stem the momentum shift with key defensive stops.
Head coach Britany Cheek praised the Lady Wildcats for solid communication.
“We played together, and we talked,” Cheek said. “We’ve struggled the past couple games with our communication and trusting each other. We had a great practice yesterday, and the girls really pulled from that and played well together.”
While Crane may have graduated a considerable amount of firepower from last season’s 31-win team, the cupboard is far from barren.
The Lady Pirates’ front line of Madison Fulp, Olivia Doto and Madison Hicks caused problems early on in the match for Billings hitters. Fulp, in particular, established an early presence at the middle of the net.
Cheek urged her front line to make some quick adjustments in the match.
“I just told them, ‘[Fulp] is going to be right in front of you,’” Cheek said. “She’s a big girl and a great player. We just have to turn our shoulders, adjust and hit around her.”
Despite the loss, Crane and first-year head coach Mallory Richardson are slowly making progress.
“I keep talking to my girls about the difference between believing in themselves and letting it get in their heads that they’re down,” Richardson said. “Right now, we have a lot of young players on our team and some inexperience there. I told them I’d much rather peak at the end of the season and take some time to figure things out than come out strong and fall behind.”
Both teams are set to play in Saturday tournaments. Billings (4-3) heads to the Ash Grove Tournament to take on Fair Grove in the first match, while Crane (2-4) opens up in the Buffalo Tournament with Bolivar.
