Marble Falls volleyball changes line-up, gets same success
CAPTION: Hannah Welch took over at setter for the Lady Mustangs helping her team win another match in straight sets. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Marble Falls High School volleyball team defeated Austin Eastside Early College 25-15, 25-14, 25-19 Aug. 27.
The Lady Mustangs (13-5) relied on other players to lead them to victory. Head coach Christopher Pace elected to give some players limited reps with the aim of giving them rest. That way the Lady Mustangs continue to develop depth.
“We’ve played 18 matches already (in a season that started Aug. 12),” he said. “After 17 matches, some could use a rest.”
Pace noted the Lady Panthers fought throughout the match and gave his team all they had thanks to their commitment to playing defense.
“They competed,” he said. “They’re one of those teams that gets everything up. You have to work twice as hard to put balls down.”
Before he put his line-up on the floor, the coach gave the players a clear directive.
“I want you to maintain that level of success,” he said. “There were some jitters.”
One set went back and forth for the first 18 points “before we turned it on.”
“I think it’s good for us to have to do that,” Pace said. “I didn’t use a timeout at all for three sets. I didn’t call a timeout. They did a great job.”
Sophomore outside hitter Katie Terrell played every spot on the first row, sophomore setter Hannah Welch took over at setter, and sophomore Madison Cuplin continues to play at a high level.
“Katie was great. Offensively, she played very well. And defensively, she’s always really good,” Pace said. “Hannah set in place of one of our setters. Madison Cuplin did Madison things. She put the ball away.”
He paused for a moment to reflect on the start of the season where the Lady Mustangs have assembled a five-match and a six-match winning streak.
“We don’t care who we’re lined up against,” he said. “Our girls are confident and comfortable. They’re worried about playing good volleyball.”
Marble Falls will compete in the Little River Academy tournament Thursday and Saturday, Aug. 29 and 30.
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