Ladycats off to strong start

The Olney Lady Cubs got off to a strong district season start, winning eight straight sets against two opponents.On Tuesday, Sept. 24, they won their game against Quanah in three sets: 25-22, 25-17, and 25-18. On Saturday, Sept. 28, they won their first district game against Petrolia in five sets: 25-16, 25-16, 27-25, 25-17, and 16-14.

“I feel like both games were challenging but were a great way to leave pre-season and start off with district,” Joselyn Marquez, senior, said. “Both teams showed some adversity but we all managed to finish through each set strong.”

Some of the Lady Cubs have highlighted a specific player for her improvement and performance during the season.

“I believe we have all been well in our own ways, but I would say Kynlee Lauderdale has been doing great,” Emily Marquez, senior, said.

“As she is the youngest on the team and also being an all-around player she has dealt with the pressure very well. She continues to hustle after every ball as well as being smart with the placement of the ball when she is on the front row.”

The first district games have started out well for the Lady Cubs.

“Compared to past district games you can definitely tell the shift of energy going on in the court,” Joselyn Marquez added. “I would say that now the teamwork and spirit has been very strong this season than in the past.”

Many players have said they’ve noticed positive changes to the team this season.

“A couple of positive things I have noticed is that we all bond very well,” Emily. Marquez said. “We also have moved faster in defense with reading the ball and understanding whose ball is whose. Our front row has improved in finding the gaps and being vocal on what they would like to do offensively.”

The team has said they’ve agreed on a goal they’d like to accomplish by the end of the season.

“A goal for the remainder of the season is to definitely get a gold ball,” Joselyn. Marquez said. “We have such a great possibility of placing higher in district, so as a team we are definitely striving to get past bi-district.”