The Paris News

ANNA — North Lamar head coach Jimmy Fendley’s favorite phrase regarding the Pantherettes over the past two weeks was that their “backs are against the wall.”

Their district record through their first seven games was 2-5, but they finished their ascension back to .500 with a dominating 25-14, 25-13, 25-17 over the Anna Lady Coyotes on Tuesday.

No. 24 state-ranked North Lamar (21-17, 5-5) is now level with No. 25 state-ranked Van Alstyne (5-5 in district), which defeated Bonham in five games Tuesday, for the third-place spot in District 10-3A.

Since the two teams split their matches during the district slate, they will compete against one another for that playoff spot. That play-in match is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday at Dodd City High School. The winning team will advance to face the second-place team from District 9-3A in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

The Pantherettes made quick work of Anna to solidify their spot in the play-in match.

Sara Dunmon led North Lamar with seven kill shots. Chelsea Jordan added six kills with three solo blocks and four assisted blocks. Haley Lyckman, Mariel George and Bridgett Campbell had three kills apiece.

Rainey Smith had 10 assists for the Pantherettes, and Morgan Flippen added seven assists. Jillian Webb had a team-high nine digs.

Webb was 14-of-16 from the service line with four aces. Cobi Barker was 15-of-16 with one ace.

• Both the North Lamar junior varsity and freshman squads finished their season with victories over Anna.

The North Lamar junior varsity claimed a 25-13, 25-5 win and finished its district schedule with a record of 10-0. Carley Conley led the way in Tuesday’s match with five kills.

North Lamar’s freshman team nabbed a 25-15, 25-11 win. Kalli Lane stood out for her solid performance at the net.

Share | Save | Mail | Print | Letter

Serving Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma

A Southern Newspapers publication.