In a thrilling five-set match, the Zephyrhills Lady Bulldogs took down South Sumter for a much-needed win that could help jump-start the second half of their season.
After dropping the opening set 25-22, The Bulldogs rallied to take the second set 25-15. The third set went to the raiders 25-15, but Zephyrhills sent it to a firth set with a 25-22 win.
The drama came in the final set where the Bulldogs took an early lead and hung on for the 15-12 victory, their second win of the season, their first in a non-tournament match.
“It was definitely big, and it was more. It was them getting out of their heads and showing us if we get out of our heads, we can prevail,” said second-year coach Maya Clark. “When we make mistakes, we get in our heads and get down on ourselves. It shows what happens when you shake it off.”
Zephyrhills received strong net play from Kiara Little, Ryleigh Hoover, Alleaona Searight, Sarianna Arnold, Kara Burnap, Ava Stephens, Jenna Goodman, and Hannah Helms. In the several long rallies between the Bulldogs and the Red Raiders, the back row play of Jessie Starnes, Ariana Cotto, Hoover, Helms, Shelby Butler, Jayka Borkowski and Sara Holden.
It was a complete team effort to carry the Bulldogs to their longest and biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs’ first home win of the season moved them to 2-8 while the Raiders drop to 3-7.
“It was pretty big for us and I’m so proud of the girls,” said Helms, a senior co-captain. “There was so much energy in that match. It shows we know how to play our game.”
The celebration of the win is short-lived with the Bulldogs returning to action Thursday night when they host Wiregrass Ranch at the Dog House.