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Lady Volleyballers Fall in Three Straight

October 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bailey SherankoThe Oak Ridge Lady War Eagle volleyball team traveled to The Woodlands in hopes of increasing their chances of making the 14-5A playoffs by upsetting the powerful Lady Highlanders.

It wasn’t to be as the powerful Lady Highlanders beat the Lady War Eagles in straights 14-25, 21-25, and 17-25.

For Oak Ridge, Brandi Lawson collected 8 kills. Hanna Bullock had 16 digs and Bailey Sheranko contributed 20 assists. The Woodlands Katie Messing had 16 kills and 11 digs while Stacy Difrancesco had 14 and 11. Courtney Eckenrode had 21 assists.

Oak Ridge came out in Game one ready to play and hung tough but with the score tied at 13, The Woodlands put on the afterburners and it was adios as they ran away with a 25-14 win.

The Lady Highlanders jumped out to big leads in both games two and three with Oak Ridge showing signs of life mid-game but the deficits were just too wide to overcome as The Woodlands breezed to victory in both games.

The Lady War Eagles did make a gallant effort to come back in games two and three, but for the most part, the usual Lady War Eagle energy was non-existent the majority of the evening.

In sub-varsity action, the Frosh A team lost in two and the B extended The Woodlands to three. The JV came up big once again and won their match.

The Lady War Eagles are now 4-6 in district and play Lufkin at home on Tuesday and conclude their regular season schedule with Kingwood away. Both matches are must wins for the Lady War Eagles if they plan on playing post-season volleyball.

The Woodlands are 8-1 in district.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com

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Lady War Eagles Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

October 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Lady War Eagles (4-5 in district) traveled to Humble on Tuesday night to play Atascocita (4-5) in a match that had huge playoff implications. At stake was the tiebreaker as both teams are fighting for the 4th and final 14-5A playoff spot.

Seeing as Oak Ridge lost the previous game versus Atascocita, the point system came into play so to make a long story short, not only would Oak Ridge have to beat Atascocita, they would have to either sweep them three games to none or beat them in four games with Atascocita scoring less than 19 points in the 4th game.

Well, the good news is the Lady War Eagles played all out all night long and took the match. The bad news is it took them five games to do it as they defeated the Lady Eagles three games to two (25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-13).

In stretching the match to five games with the loss, Atascocita now owns the tiebreaker over Oak Ridge and the Lady War Eagles will have to beat Lufkin, which is expected and either beat Kingwood or The Woodlands and they would more than likely be playing post-season volleyball. However, Conroe has a good team and if they come to play against Atascocita, they could beat the Lady Eagles which would open up things even more for our ladies.

Nothing is a given at any level of athletics and like they say, “that’s why they play the game”.

Oak Ridge could make it easy on themselves if they play against The Woodlands and Kingwood like they did in defeating Atascocita. They could take at least one of those matches if they show up with the same brand of intensity.

Entering the gym for the pregame warm-up, the sounds of the This is why I’m Hot Remix reverberated throughout the gym. I was thinking that wasn’t going to be an advantage for the home team at all. I’m not old enough to know they could have thought of something more original so that didn’t worry me at all. What did worry me was the Atascocita coach wearing some insane boots. I could think of only one song which was something my parents used to listen to when I was little…..”These Boots are made for Walking”. The lyrics went like this, “These boots are made for walking and that’s just what they’ll do. One of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you”.

Let me speak for everyone at Oak Ridge when I say, ”Better luck next time Coach Nancy Sinatra.”

Game one was a see-saw battle that saw three questionable line calls go against the Lady War Eagles. Fortunately, the girls were mentally tough and the calls didn’t discourage them at all.

The turning point was when everyone’s favorite player Morgan Jones made a beautiful touch shot as the ball fell in between the Lady Eagles defense igniting a flame that would not be extinguished until 8:50pm. Down 20-19, Bailey Sheranko tied things up with yet another Oak Ridge touch shot followed by a trio of Nicole Collins smashes and the Lady War Eagles were on a roll up 23-20. A blown Oak Ridge serve was followed by an Emily Graham slam and it was 24-21. Dangling the carrot in front of Atascocita, the Lady Eagles scored the next two points to tighten things up before Collins clinched Game 1 with a touch shot.

Oak Ridge was really never in Game two as Atascocita took it 25-18 but it really wasn’t that close. Some bright spots in Game two were a couple of Lawson smashes, a Taylor Hastings smash and block and Bailey Sheranko serving six straight winners late in the game making the score at least appear to be respectable.

Game three was close all the way with Oak Ridge staying ahead at all times by as many as three points. Up 9-8, Collins and Lawson combined on a beautiful block and a mini-run had begun. The next point was a successful smash by Emily “one inch vertical” Graham. If you’ve seen Emily play, she doesn’t get up tremendously high but her placement is the best around. What she doesn’t get in her leap, she more than makes up for with the best court awareness of anyone around.

Atascocita helped the cause in this game as they flubbed four serves. The way Oak Ridge was playing, the Lady Eagles could ill afford to make such blunders.

The game got a bit close at 17-16 as a result of some temporary sloppy play by Oak Ridge and Coach Sledge was T/O bound. Whatever the coach said worked as the ladies stretched the lead again only to have it tighten up a bit at 23-21 making Coach Sledge appear to be T/O happy. Again, the T/0 worked as Oak Ridge shut the door on a nice serve by Hanna Bullock. Bullock’s serve has become increasingly ridiculous as the season has wore on. This is a good thing at this crucial stage of the season.

Game 4 would decide the Oak Ridge/Atascocita playoff tiebreaker as the Lady War Eagles would have to hold the Lady Eagles under 19 points. Unfortunately, Atascocita must have been made aware of the situation as they blew by Oak Ridge taking a 19-13 lead in cruising to a 25-22 win in the game.

Game 5 was the rubber game to 15. Up 14-12, Oak Ridge seemed to have won when another in a long line questionable line calls was made in favor of Atascocita making it 14-13. The girls were dumbfounded and Coach Sledge called a smart T/O to get the girls heads back in the game. Nicole Collins ended the game just after the T/O which no doubt led to the second most entertaining bus ride of the season.

Coach Sledge describes what she said to the girls during pregame, “We don’t like to change things up. Consistency is very important to us. We tell them to come out to compete every match no matter what the circumstances are. I didn’t tell them exactly what the tiebreaker situation was because whatever the situation, they need to be playing with a high amount of intensity. We just tell them to fight to win every point and come out on top. This was a huge game to win and the girls came through.” She continued, “I know we can beat The Woodlands and Kingwood if we play like we are capable. We can’t really be playing to just win a tiebreaker. Our destiny is in our own hands so we play to win every game.”

I received a call from someone early on Tuesday asking if I was going to the game. The person on the other end of the line said this game will decide if Oak Ridge makes the playoffs or not. I was thinking to myself, “Did I go into a coma for a week and miss two volleyball games?” I then checked out the schedule to varify what I already knew which was before the Atascocita game the Lady War Eagles had three games left. The person on the other end of the line seemed to think that the Woodlands and Kingwood games are automatic losses.

Man, don’t get me started on the former Oak Ridge pessimism thing. This person is still suffering from being “ridged”. The Lady War Eagles are playing their hearts out and are doing their best to put themselves in a position to advance to the throne room. These girls are not Ridged. They are on a roll so lets support them all the way.

Lady War Eagle Quick Stats:

Kills: Collins  22
Digs: Lawson 22
Assists: Sheranko: 51

The frosh and JV won as well. The brooms were out!

Go Lady War Eagles!!!

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com
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Lady War Eagles Fall to Kingwood After JV Shines

October 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Down to nine players, the Oak Ridge Lady War Eagle volleyball team played the always talented Kingwood Lady Mustangs at home on Friday night. In a gallant effort, the Lady War Eagles could not pull off a game in being downed in straight sets 25-17, 25-19 and 25-12.

These Lady War Eagles always suck it up and play hard but just couldn’t match up with the power and depth Kingwood brought to the gym.

The first game was close up until Kingwood broke a tie at 12 and ran off four straight points. Oak Ridge answered with a single point but Kingwood rattled off three more and it was never closer than five with the Lady Mustangs taking game one 25-17.

Game two was almost game one’s mirror image as the lead see-sawed up to 12-12 and then Kingwood went up 18-14. Led by the touch of Emily Graham, the ladies closed the gap to 19-17 but Kingwood then turned on the after burners and ran away with a 25-19 victory.

The Lady War Eagles appeared to lose some feathers in the third game as they were never in it losing the game 25-12 and ultimately the match.

Worthy of note:

Nicole Collins had four In-Your-Face blocks in game one to keep Oak Ridge within striking distance. She is also serving like Gabriella Reece again.

Emily Graham had six fake spike/touches drop delicately on Kingwood’s side also contributing to keeping Oak Ridge in the match in games one and two. Evidently, Graham has the touch of a Palmolive hand model.

Morgan Jones saw extensive action and is making valuable contributions.

Lady War Eagle Quick Stats:

Kills: Brandi Lawson 9
Digs: Nicole Collins  12, Lawson 12

However, the story of the night had nothing to do with varsity action. JV Coach Gabriella Young led her charges against the Kingwood contingent in one of the most thrilling finishes you will ever see at any level of volleyball.

JV competition consists of a 2 out of 3 games format. In taking the first game 25-14, the fans were thinking it was going to be a laugher for Oak Ridge.

Unfortunately, the Lady Mustangs came out strong in game two and derailed the Lady War Eagles 25-12. It all came down to a third game to decide the match.

Kingwood seemed to be taking up where they left off in game two as they went up 21-10. Fans were starting to head for the concession stand to get ready for varsity action starting in what seemed to be a matter of seconds.

Hold the phone!!!! The Lady War Eagle JVers seemed to be coming out of hibernation as they won the next 11 points tieing the score 21-21.

The two teams battled back and forth with Oak Ridge taking this exciting game 27-25.

Being down 21-10, it would have been easy for the girls to mail it in. Not these Lady War Eagles! They sucked it up and never believed they would lose.

Coach Young describes the action, “Even though we suffered a great loss today in losing Taylor Chunn to a knee injury during warm-up, my players made me very proud tonight. They faught through the tough times in order to beat Kingwood.” Coach Young continued, “My girls showed everyone they do not give up. Allie Mattingly and Melissa Vincent were key servers enabling our team to get back on track. The setters, Kaley Cantu, Mikaela Odom and Melissa Vincent played very strategically and my hitters were very consistent.”

“The girls played together and faught back point by point until the end. In such a competitive district like 14-5A, I believe that only the strong survive through the tough times. My girls showed me they are as strong as ever. I am so proud and congratulate them for the tough win tonight. All of the effort they put into practice every day paid off big today. I am honored to be their coach.”

At Woodforest, the football team was playing Conroe in celebration of “Future War Eagle Night”. Over at the ORHS gym, it may as well have been called “Future War Eagle Afternoon” as we were all treated to just how bright the Lady War Eagles future looks.

Oak Ridge 15-15 (2-4) are home against CP on Tuesday, October 5th.
Kingwood is 13-11 (4-1) and in a three way tie for first with CP and The Woodlands.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com
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It’s Hot in Lufkin, and so are the Lady War Eagles

September 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Brandi LawsonThe Lady War Eagle volleyballers traveled to Siberia to play in one of the hottest gyms in Texas. You know, I realize Lufkin is in the back woods but can someone tell these people that air conditioning was introduced fairly recently? I really think they make it uncomfortable on purpose. They’re saying, “If you are coming to our place we are going to make you as miserable as possible”.

Because it was so miserable in ”The Gym That Satan Built”, the girls had it in their minds to get in, take care of business as quick as possible and get back on the air conditioned chartered bus back to Oak Ridge so that maybe, just maybe, they could be home in time to watch the football team hopefully get another W.

The Lady War Eagles gave up 25 points in three games to Lufkin, with the final scores being 25-10, 25-9 and 25-6.

It seems that the losses to College Park, Atascocita and The Woodlands were not all for naught.  Poor Lufkin had didn’t realize what our girls have been through and the devestating losses that they endured.

Every girl on the team played tonight.  The kill tri-fecta, a/k/a Nicole Collins, Brandi Lawson and Devyn Flot easily dismantled Lufkin’s players.  Devyn, aka, Devy, had a total of 11 kills, to lead her team, Nick-ster, a/k/a Nicole, had 10 kills, and B-Law, followed with 8 kills.  The seniors were all systems go and finalized their last journey to Lufkin in a commanding way.

Bailey Sheranko had an outstanding game with 25 assists. Her confidence is at an all time high especially after her performance against The Woodlands. Bailey was not only setting, but was playing the first ball to the absolute surprise of Lufkin’s defense!  Bailey comes from a long line of volleyball players in her family and has learned most, if not all of her moves from her sister, Brooke, who is an alumnae and Hall of Fame Lady War Eagle V-Ball player.  Bailey is a setter we all must keep our eyes on.

The X-factor in the game came from Mo-Jo, Morgan Jones’ 8 aces, that had her team screaming and going crazy for the Sophomore who is one of the happiest players to be around 24/7.

Lo-Ren, Lauren Fernandez, got in for quite a few kills and numerous assists and is a tremendous support to her upper class-women.  She is a player to look out for next year as she will be taking on a huge leadership role at the net……with that surprise left hand.  Watch out!

Hannah Bullock performed well. Since her injury she is gaining her rythmn back as well as getting prepared for upcoming games that she will be greatly needed in.

Let’s not forget Whitney Wofford, a/k/a Whit a/k/a Babe Ruthless who has given the front row the most confidence knowing that she’s back there.  Don’t think that The Woodlands and College Park don’t have her on their radar. Babe Ruthless has stepped up and filled in perfectly with the various injuries the team has suffered this season. Keep kickin butt Whit!

Taylor Hastings and Emily Graham were dominant forces up front once again contributing like they always do.

Teri Davis-Flot contributed to this article.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com

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Lady War Eagles Fight Back, but Fall to Lady Highlanders

September 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

After a less than stellar Homecoming showing against Atascocita that saw the Oak Ridge volleyball team fall 3-1, the Lady War Eagles came out soaring on Tuesday night against the heavily favored and 19th state ranked Woodlands Lady Highlanders.

In what was a total team effort, Oak Ridge gave The Woodlands all they could handle as they took the first game 25-23. Oak Ridge controlled game one as they only relinquished the lead twice at 2-1 and 21-20. At the latter point, hot shot serving and Oak Ridge’s version of Babe Ruthless, Frosh Whitney Wofford won four straight points to allow the Ladies to go up 24-21 and eventually take the opening game when Devyn “Eve of Destruction” Flot smashed home the winning point.

In the second game, the Lady Highlanders looked perturbed as they broke out to a 9-2 lead riding the shoulders of 6’4″ Pepperdine signee, Katie Messing and the athletic Stacy DiFrancesco. Oak Ridge scratched their way back into the match on a Taylor Hastings smash to make it 10-5 and Bailey Sheranko won three straight serves to tighten things up at 10-7.

The Lady War Eagles kept fighting inducing Woodlands mistakes when Coach Leslie Madison finally had enough and called a T/O when Oak Ridge tightened the contest at 16-14. The obligatory, tactful butt chewing ensued. The Woodlands was able to close things out 25-21 to even the match up at one game all.

The rest of the match was as close with Woodlands leading most of the way. Game three ended in Woodlands favor 25-23 but Taylor Hastings did all she could do to help in serving five straight winners to enable Oak Ridge to come back from 15-23 to 20-23. The point that made it 19-23, Brandi Lawson made the most ridiculous dig of the night ensuring a future career as a contortionist if all other avenues fail. Unfortunately, it is beyond my ability to describe this particular dig. Suffice it to say that bodies just aren’t suppose to go like that. Maybe Lawson’s double jointed.

Oak Ridge took the lead 9-8 in game four on a Devyn Flot smash. Although the match was close all the way, this was the first Lady War Eagle lead since they led 2-1 way back in game two. Shortly thereafter, The Woodlands took control but never led by more than five until the final tally. Lady War Eagle Boss Tommie Sledge called time outs at 15-19 and 17-22 but Oak Ridge was not able to derail the 19th ranked girls from across the highway as they pulled away to take the game and match 25-19.

Final score: 25-23, 21-25, 23-25, 19-25.

Lady War Eagle Quick Stats:

Oak Ridge:
Kills: Devyn Flot 13, Nicole Collins 9, Brandi Lawson 9
Assists: Bailey Sheranko 34
Digs: Brandi Lawson 14, Whitney Wofford 12
Aces: Emily Graham 4

The Woodlands:
Kills: Katie Messing 20
Digs: Stacy DiFrancesco 18, Kate Deless 20
Assists: Courtney Eckenrode 16

Stats never tell the whole story as every Lady War Eagle contributed on this night. Lauren “Smashley Simpson” Fernandez hit a beautiful seeing eye smash that massaged the sideline. Morgan Jones always provides valuable minutes for Coach Sledge and Hanna Bullock is a multi-tool player contributing all over the court sucking up the injury she sustained in pre-season.

Records:
TWH: 21-9 (3-0) Next: Kingwood at home Friday.
OR: 15-14-(1-3) Next: Lufkin away Friday

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com

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New Kid in Town Finds a Way to Lend a Hand

September 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Colleen McDermottThe other night before I watched the Oak Ridge volleyball team destroy Conroe, I was thinking how much must go into putting an athletic team on the floor or field. It can’t just be about the coaches and players. I figured the athletes must have a support staff so I asked Coach Tommie Sledge if the organization has anyone besides players and coaches that are instrumental and vital to the success of the team.

Coach took one look at me and pointed to the top of the bleachers where a student was setting up a huge camera to film the game. Coach confirmed our suspicions in commenting, ”If you want to know why things run smoothly for us, talk to our Manager, Colleen McDermott.

Upon introducing myself to Colleen, I was pleased to find how personable she is. With some kids I’ve interviewed in other feeder zones, it’s like pulling teeth to try and get information out of them. This Oak Ridgeian welcomed us with open arms and was proud to let us in on her world.

Meet Colleen McDermott:

What are your duties with the Lady War Eagle volleyball program?
My duties as both the Varsity and J.V. manager are to encourage the players to do the best they can. Sometimes, I help to get the team warmed up and ready to play their game. During the game, I am filming as well as cheering them on. Once in a while, I may have to be a line judge or get water for my teammates. I am at all of the practices and help the coaches when needed such as helping to score or keeping track of team stats.

How do you like working with Coach Sledge?
It’s an amazing opportunity to work with Coach Sledge. I like watching her encourage and critique her players to not only do the best they can but to be the best they can be as well. JV Coach Deanna Young is also a great coach. She really gets into what she teaches her players. Coach takes the time to make sure all of the girls know what they need to do and be where they need to be in order to be successful in the game. Both Coach Sledge and Coach Young not only push for winning but they want their players to have as much fun as possible.

How did you get involved with the Oak Ridge volleyball team?
I used to play volleyball in junior high about three years ago but then I moved and could not continue playing. When I moved here about a month and a half ago my step-mom strongly encouraged me to at least try out for the team. So, long story short when I finished embarrassing myself at the JV and Varsity practice, Coach Young told me my skills weren’t quite there but she said that I seemed like a sweet girl and that I had a great attitude. She said she wanted me to be a part of the team and bing-bang-boom here I am now.

Do you have any plans for college?
Well, I’m a junior and nothing concrete yet. I want to go to college and since I have moved to Texas, my options have increased. It all depends on where I can get a scholarship. As of right now, I am hoping to go to Oakland University in Michigan to study Forensic Anthropology or Fashion Design. Yeah, these are two way different fields of study but I love learning about both.

As you can now attest, Colleen has a vivacious personality. She could be a model for kids who move to a new town. Here it is a month and a half after she just moved here and she has blended in like she’s been here since her freshman year.

If you were to look up what a description of an athletic team’s manager is supposed to be, don’t be surprised if you see Colleen McDermott’s mug as well.

Colleen is an example of the type of quality people we have here in the Oak Ridge high school feeder zone.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com
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Lady Volleyballers Bounce Back to Beat Conroe

September 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

In losing a tough four set match to College Park last Friday night, the Lady War Eagle volleyballers took out their frustrations on heated rival Conroe by way of a straight set victory 3-0 (25-18, 25-20 and 25-18).

The Tigerettes from Conroe fought hard but the strong Oak Ridge contingent proved to be just too much as the Lady War Eagles evened their District 14-5A record to 1-1. Conroe falls to 0-2.

Game one was a struggle for Oak Ridge until when leading 10-9, they won six of the next seven points on the strength of strong serving freshman, Whitney Wofford. Now ahead 16-10 and trading points the rest of the way, the Lady War Eagles cruised to victory as a Devyn Flot smash made it 24-18 followed by a touch point off the soft hands of steely eyed Brandi Lawson and Oak Ridge was up in the match 1 game to 0.

Game two started with a Flot smash and the Lady War Eagles never trailed taking the set 25-20.

Game three was more of the same Oak Ridge dominance. Trailing Conroe 4-3, the normally serving-challenged Nicole Collins looked more like AVP Womens Volleyball legend Gabriella Reece as she hit five unreturnable serves in a row singlehandedly putting Oak Ridge up 8-4. Conroe never got closer than three points the rest of the way and the Lady War Eagles closed out the match 25-18.

Sub-varsity results: Both frosh teams won and the JV lost a heartbreaker in three sets.

Varsity quick stats:

KILLS: Lawson-15 Flot-11 Collins-10
ASSISTS: Bailey Sheranko-35
DIGS: Morgan Jones-9

Worthy of note:

Former long time Oak Ridge volleyball coach and now CISD Interim-AD, Janet Tingle was seen in the crowd but exited after two sets presumably satisfied with the job Coach Tommie Sledge is doing.

In the second set, fiery competitor Brandi Lawson was actually seen smiling. That’s “Brandi Lawson Smile Sighting #1″. This girl has got to be the fiercest athlete in the whole school. You don’t mess with B-Law!

Coach Sledge plays every player she has on the bench and not one can be considered a liability. Everyone she puts in contributes as this team is very deep. Oak Ridge was without the services of Emily Graham this evening as she recovers from pneumonia.

In upcoming volleyball coverage, look for a profile on team Manager, Colleen McDermott. This girl is the backbone of the volleyball operation.

Next up is a home tilt with Atascocita for district match # 3 on Friday night.

See you on Friday in “The House that Tingle built”.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com
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Lady War Eagles Flot-ten Bellville

September 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Devyn FlotThe Lady War Eagle Volleyball team were rude hosts tonight in disposing of a talented and very game Bellville squad 3 games to 1.

After spotting the first game to the visitors 22-25, Oak Ridge then woke up to take the next three 25-13, 25-13 and 25-16.

The team had to do without the services of Morgan Jones as she was out due to illness but should be able to return for the district opener at College Park on Friday night. Jones, a talented sophomore plays offseason club ball with the Wave and it is crucial she return as soon as possible.

Also not healthy is Hanna Bullock who is still out due to a broken hand that still houses a plate and screw. The injury occurred in preseason during the dreaded box jumping drill at two-a-days. Bullock was slated to be a starter. However, with the depth the Lady War Eagles have the team will be fine until she is able to make it back.

Seeing more action tonight was Devyn Flot who had 13 kills and seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. She is also an excellent server. One word can describe Flot…Aggressive! If you are in front of her at the net, she will “flot”-ten you in the face with a spike. This girl can “flot” out play. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself). If Devyn continues to play at this high level, Oak Ridge will excel in district play.

Bellville is a 3A school but don’t let the lesser classification fool you. They always have an excellent team as evidenced by their nine state championships in Head Coach Susan Brewer’s tenure. Brewer is a legend at Bellville and her team plays with discipline and makes few mistakes. Any time you can beat a team like Bellville, you know you’re on the right track.

Leading scorers for Oak Ridge:
Kills: Nicole Collins-24
Digs: Brandi Lawson-15
Assists: Bailey Sheranko-48

Frosh A and B as well as JV were victorious. The brooms were out in force tonight.

District 14-5A Game #1 at College Park on Friday. See you there!

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com

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Volleyballers Eye Start of District Play

September 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Volleyballers Eye Start of District PlayThe Lady War Eagle volleyball team had a busy week traveling to the Kingwood tournament Thursday and Saturday as well as playing Katy Taylor at home on Friday night.

On Thursday, Oak Ridge split as they defeated Cy-Springs and lost to Cy-Fair.

At home on Friday the girls lost to Katy Taylor and it was back to Kingwood to finish off the Kingwood tournament on Saturday.

Playing The Woodlands bright and early on Saturday, this match was a good test for the Lady War Eagles to see what is in store for them in upcoming District 14-5A action.

The Woodlands defeated Oak Ridge 3 games to zero and Oak Ridge was in every game but could not pull one out as the Top 10 Texas state ranked Lady Highlanders proved to be just too tough.

Oak Ridge plays Bellville at home on Tuesday and then opens district play at College Park on Friday.

Go out and support your Lady War Eagles!

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com.

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Lady War Eagles Scratch Out Win vs. Willis

September 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lady War Eagles Scratch Out Win vs. Willis

By defeating the Willis Ladykats in five sets (25-27, 22-25, 26-24, 26-24, 18-16) last night at Oak Ridge high school, the Lady War Eagle volleyball team avenged an earlier loss to Willis.

Even more important is how they played with some serious heart having to come back from two sets down. After being down 2 sets to none, Oak Ridge (12-7) could have mailed it in..NOT! This team continues to battle to the last point. They are fighters! They WILL scratch your eyes out and beat you if you do not go all out against them.

This was a close battle all the way. Contributing to the comeback was Willis being unorganized starting in the third set. Actually, Willis was having trouble with their rotation starting in the second set but the referees only caught it in the third set. The Ladykats were on a roll and the long stoppage killed any momentum they had enabling Oak Ridge to get back in the set and take it 26-24.

The 4th set brought more of the same bungling by Willis which assisted Oak Ridge once again as they took the set 26-24.

Led by Nicole Collins, Lauren Fernandez and Brandi Lawson, the Lady War Eagles played as if they had ice in their veins making pressure spike after pressure spike while making very few errors in the last three sets.

In the third set with the score 24-23 Willis, Emily Graham put a spike away to keep Oak Ridge in the match. On the next play, a high flying Nicole Collins jammed the ball down the Ladykats throats and Oak Ridge took the lead prompting a T/O by the Willis Coach. The Time-out was of no help as the Lady War Eagles put the set away on the next point.

In the 4th set, down 25-24 once again, Willis called another T/O that was of no help as Oak Ridge won the set on the next point for a second time.

In the fifth set, with both teams battling and the set having to be stretched out past the 15 point mark, Morgan Jones made an excellent, unreturnable serve and Oak Ridge sent the Ladykats down the road in the dreaded Yella Dog. Fifth set score 18-16.

Leading scorers for Oak Ridge:
KILLS: Brandi Lawson 18. Nicole Collins 13.
ASSISTS: Bailey Sheranko 46. Lauren Fernandez 27
DIGS: Emily Graham 22

Whitney Wofford’s contributions can not be measured in stats. Rest assured this Libero is amazing all who watch Oak Ridge play….and she is only a FRESHMAN!

Oak Ridge plays in the Kingwood tournament later this week.

Comments to Doug Sarant at doug@oakridgenow.com

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