The Lady Cardinals remain undefeated in district play for the 25th year in a row.
On Friday, Sept. 19, varsity volleyball showed dominance with a program sweep over Lamar. Pregame rituals proved to be vital to set the tone for the rest of the night.
“Our energy going into a game is super hyped,” senior and middle blocker Maisie Moncrief said. “Being a high energy team is one of the reasons we work so well together, and the Lamar game was no different.”
Bellaire came out swinging and finished the first set 25-14 with all the momentum on their side.
“The team went into the game knowing the gravity of playing Lamar,” junior and rightside Olivia Wang said. “We were first place in districts and we weren’t going to let Lamar change that. We knew we had to start strong and not let up at any point.”
The momentum stayed, starting the second set with a seven point run, forcing Lamar to call a quick timeout. However, the Texans were able to challenge the Cardinals and get the score back in reach.
“Keeping our energy high and encouraging teammates, especially when the score is tight, was a key factor,” junior setter and captain Allie Barker said. “I continued to push to be more aggressive on the court and talking on the court to my teammates and encouraging them with positivity, even when the score was tight.”
Lamar was able to put up a big block, forcing the Cardinals to find new ways to score. The team leaned into each other as the score reached 23-22. Maisie Moncrief had three crucial kills, giving Bellaire a two set lead over Lamar.
“Being a senior definitely has changed my mindset going into games because I am counting down my final games in high school,” Moncrief said. “There is nothing to do every game but give everything I have.”
Bellaire made a few lineup changes going into the third set. This proved to be beneficial, ending the third set 25-19.
“We are starting to lock down the first place spot in district,” Moncrief said. “After this game, the team's mindset is focused on the postseason,”
The Lady Cardinals advance to a 6-0 district record. They will face Sam Houston High School Sept. 30 at 8 p.m.
