Published: October 15, 2007 09:49 am      

Bullard settles score with AHS

Lady Panthers knock Lady Hornets from atop District 14-AAA standings

BULLARD — District 14-AAA volleyball action is exactly that — action.

The Athens Lady Hornets had to return the visit to Bullard on Friday night. When Bullard met the Lady Hornets at Athens Middle School back in September, the Lady Panthers walked into a scene the could not handle, losing in three straight games. It was time to return the favor.

The Lady Panthers turned back the Lady Hornets in four games to stay in a share of the district lead with Van. Athens fell to third place.

The Lady Hornets pulled out to an early lead in game one, 7-2. A few minutes later, it was 10-4, but the Lady Panthers kept clawing back. Each time the Lady Hornets would look like they were going to put Bullard away, they came right back.

Game 1 ended with a Lady Hornets victory, 25-23.

The next three games were not much different, except for the winner.

The Lady Hornets would build a lead in each of the three games, at one point by nine. Each time Bullard would come right back.

“We just could not put them away,” Lady Hornet coach Tosha Spain said. “We did not play well, but when you are playing for a district championship you have to bring your ‘A’ game night in and night out.

“We just keep putting more pressure on ourselves when we don’t take care of business.”

The next three games went to Bullard: 25-22, 25-23 and 25-20.

Bullard and Van are 6-1 in district play. The Lady Hornets, 25-6 overall, are 5-2.

Athens is scheduled to host Van on Tuesday night. The Lady Hornets must beat Van and Van beat Bullard on Friday to create another three-way tie for the top spot.

“The game Tuesday verses Van will be ‘Black out the Vandals night,’ Lady Hornets assistant coach Gary Qualls said. “So we are asking everyone to pack the gym full wearing black shirts.

“We are hoping for a huge crowd on Tuesday. We have been waiting for the return trip from Van. The girls would like to see the town come out and support them and help them get a victory on Tuesday.”

The freshman Lady Hornets beat Bullard in three games — 12-25, 25-17, and 25-21. The JV did not fare as well, losing in three — 25-21, 21-25, and 8-25.