Champion-attitude to the end
Examiner photo by Kiersten Mulle The Iola Lady Bulldog’s ended in the 2A Regional Finals in Longview falling to the Leon Lady Cougars 3-1. Iola finishes the season with a 41-5 record.
LONGVIEW - The Iola Lady Bulldog’s great season ended in the 2A Regional Finals with a 3-1 loss to the Leon Lady Cougars in Longview. They finish with a 41-5 record.
In the Regional Quarterfinals, Iola beat the Normangee Lady Panthers at Franklin High School Tuesday, Nov. 8, 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-15).
The Lady Bulldogs traveled to Longview to play in the Regional Semi-Finals matching up against defending state champion Beckville Friday, Nov. 11. Iola won the match 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 15-25, 25-19, 15-11).
In the Regional Finals, Saturday, Nov. 12, Iola suffered a loss to district-foe Leon 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 19-25, 19-25).
“We had a great run in the playoffs,” stated Iola Head Volleyball Coach Jamie McDougald. “We had to work hard just to get through district. We knew that our playoff run would be rough when we had to take on the defending state champions and the number one ranked team in the state. Our young team did a great job in district and first rounds of the playoffs. The win over Normangee in the quarterfinals was a very exciting one. We took on the defending state champions in the semi-finals and won in five. I couldn’t have been prouder of our team. They worked hard and fought to the end. Thank you to everyone who made the drive to Longview to come out and support us! We couldn’t have done it without you!”
Iola returns all nine players on their young roster in 2023. Their roster includes two juniors, Lindsey Gooch, Abree Raley; three sophomores, Blaire Smithey, Katara Larson, Sydney Nevill; and four freshmen, Ava Besette, Kylan Thomas, Shaylee McKown and Rylee Goodney.