Contributing Writer
The Yorktown Kitty Kats volleyball team continued their season at home after participating in the South Texas Showdown Tuesday, Aug. 19. The team went 2-3, defeating Ganado and Faith Academy while falling to Louise, St. Paul, and Sacred Heart. They now hold an overall record of 2-6.
Against Tidehaven, Yorktown struggled in the first two sets, dropping them 25-9 and 2517. The Kitty Kats rallied late in the third set but fell 25-19. With the opponent on game point, Gracie Stehling showed resilience as she tallied a solo block to keep Yorktown alive, then teamed with Palyn Koopmann for a double block, helping the team climb to 19 points be-fore ultimately conceding the match.
Stehling anchored the defense late, but it was in the second set that Hayle Russell sparked the offense. Down 10--14, Yorktown went on a three-point run with standout plays from Avery Martin, who delivered a crucial dig; Koopmann, who set the
SEE KATS, PAGE 10
Gracie Stehling and Hayle Russell double block against a Tidehaven player.
Photo by Deirdre Alexander ball; and Russell, who finished with a powerful kill. Lorelai Gowens followed with an ace, and the Martin-Koopmann-Russell combination scored again, giving the team momentum.
Although the match ended in a loss, the Kitty Kats showed skill and determination that they can build on. The Kitty Kats have moved players into new positions, and it will take time for them to develop confidence and skill in their roles.
Yorktown will be back in action soon, participating in the Beeville Tournament.
Stats: Aces- Koopmann 2, Gowens, Stehling, and Carsyn Brown 1; Kills- Koopmann 5, Russell 4, Weischwill, Stehling 3, Claire Person, Martin 1; Blks-Stehling, Koopman .5, Assists- Koopman 7, Brown 6, Deleon, Martin 1; Digs- Gowens, Brown, Person 6, Koopmann 5, Stehling 4, DeLeon, Russell, and Martin 1
Trinity Flores puts in effort to pass the ball in serve receive.
Lorelai Gowens, Carly Weischwill, Trinity Flores, Paige DeLeon celebrate as the Kitty Kats score against the Tigers.
Palyn Koopmann led the team in aces and jump serves in set two against Tidehaven. (PhotoS by Deirdre Alexander)
