Monahans Sweeps Seminole, Earn Top Ranking
    by Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News, August 25, 2006

The Monahans Lady Loboes defended their #1 State ranking by sweeping Seminole Maidens in straight sets Tuesday night.
    
Monahans (9-0) was tabbed Class 3A's top team only hours before the match by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.  The Green moved into the top spot after opening the season at #4 in the TGCA preseason polls last week.

But Tuesday's blowout of a perennial powerhouse volleyball team was more about getting back to the State tournament rather than defending their new ranking.

"Sure it's nice to be recognized," MHS coach Patty Dominguez said.  "It's for the fans of course, but we want to maintain our focus on being number one at the end of season."

The Lady Loboes have had a whirlwind start to the 2006 season, having played eight matches in the opening week before facing Seminole Tuesday.

Monahans attacked the Maidens relentlessly, never allowing SHS to get into rhythm.

Leading 13-6 in game one, Bailey Marcum served six consecutive points, including an ace, to push Monahans out front 19-6.

Junior hitter Jordan Latham confused the maidens with off-speed returns, scoring on a simple tip over the net and showcasing her skills with two powerful kills to secure game one of the match 25-11.

Marcum took the line to begin the game two, and rolled off an incredible 7-0 lead before Seminole called for a time out.

In the run that amassed the huge lead, Monahans tournament MVP Catherine Cutbirth, blasted an overset into the Maiden court for the fourth point and served notice that the 2006 Lady Loboes indeed have their own identity.

Latham followed with big swings for points to eventually force the early time out.

Kim Wilson came in off the bench to add a kill and run the score to 10-3, proving that MHS indeed has depth in their lineup.

"Our younger players are really improving," Dominguez said.  "They are getting their reps in and responding to the leadership of our veteran players.  Playing tight games and in championships will provide the character and experience these kids need to step up to the next level."

Leading game two 15-4, Marcum unleashed an awesome display of power and  balance, the same that earned her the Outstanding Hitter award at the Monahans tournament over the weekend.

Marcum tipped the ball into the center of the Maiden court for a point, then followed a block and a power shot into the Seminole defense to put MHS out front 18-4.

She later killed the will of the Maidens with a smash in front of the Seminole bench, then served her second ace of the night.

Monahans took a commanding two set lead with a 25-11 victory in the second game.

Seminole opened the third set from the service line, and Catherine Cutbirth broke  serve with a  power swing for the Green's first point.

Bethany Willmon took the line and pushed Monahans out to a 7-0 lead with off speed serves that proved to be difficult for Seminole to keep in play.

Cutbirth proved she could do more than hit, as she went up high over the net and blocked a strong hit to give the Green a 20-8 lead late in the match.

Marcum sealed the game with a kill deep in the Maiden back-court, and Monahans completed the sweep with a 25-13 victory in game three.

"Our biggest challenge today was being able to step back on the court after a big win (tournament) and compete again," said Dominguez.  "We needed to get back up to that same level that we were Saturday night.  We want to raise our level of play every time we step on to the court."

Monahans will take their #1 ranking into the San Angelo tournament this weekend in open-bracket play with Uvalde at 8 am Friday.

Keyed by Abbi Meek, Senior '06