8th Grade A Team: The Lady Bulldogs of Bander Middle School faced off against Carrizo Springs on Wednesday, September 20th, in a challenging volleyball match. In the first set, the Bander girls put up a valiant effort against the Lady Cats but ended up losing with a score of 9-25. Determined to make a comeback, the team regrouped and fought hard in the second set, but narrowly fell short with a score of 24-26. Despite the loss, the Lady Bulldogs displayed remarkable effort and commitment to improving their skills, focusing on serving, transitioning, and communication.

Key statistics for the 8th Grade A Team:

• Serving Aces: Isabella Pace (5), Pyper Barnard (1), Mckenna Jones (1), Kolbie Lawlis (1), Taylor Marrs (1)
• Digs: Pyper Barnard (4), Kinli Mcintosh (3), Isabella Pace (3)
• Kills: Pyper Barnard (1), Kolbie Lawlis (1), Mckenna Jones (1), Briley Clark (1), Haily Livingston (1), Addison Ashcraft (1)
• Assists: Briley Clark (1), Kolbie Lawlis (5), Alexis Fraizer (1), Pyper Barnard (1), Brynleigh Hauer (1), Mckenna Jones (1), Taylor Marrs (2), Isabella Pace (3), Mia Ranly (2)
• Blocks: Haily Livingston (1)

Looking ahead, the girls are gearing up to face the Del Rio Queens on the road to conclude the first round of district matches next Monday.

8th Grade B Team: In an exhilarating showdown on their home court, the Bander B Team displayed their prowess by securing an impressive victory over Carrizo Springs. These young athletes have been diligently working on their rotations, transitions, and teamwork. Notable performances included game-changing serves from Jasmine Longoria and impressive plays at the net from Krista Goldstein, Karlee Hamilton, Ella Vollmer, and Leighann Spangler. The back row exhibited precision in their ball-handling, with Aubrie Moore, Blake Waid, Olivia Walker, Gracelyn Upton, Kylie Hall, and Emma Rynarzewski each contributing with three power digs. This victory stands as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

7th Grade A Team: The 7th-grade A Team started off strongly in a competitive battle against Carrizo Springs, ultimately losing in three sets with scores of 25-9, 14-25, and 10-15. Despite the loss, the girls showcased great volleyball skills, particularly at the net with kills from players like Brooke, Gracen, and Blu. Serving aces were contributed by Hadley and Gracen, while the back row players demonstrated excellent ball movement to set up the setters, with notable digs from Brylyn, Elle, Brooke, and Hadley. The team is setting goals for their next game, focusing on game control and communication, as they prepare to face the Lady Queens of Del Rio.

7th Grade B Team: The 7th-grade B Team put up a spirited effort against Carrizo Springs on Wednesday night but ultimately lost the game in two sets. The first set saw Makensie Clay leading with 12 successful serves, while Ava Thompson made a crucial kill during the final moments. Despite a close score of 25-27, the team couldn't secure the win. In the second set, Cealy Billings and Brylee Phillips delivered strong serves, and the team fought hard until the end, finishing with a score of 18-25. Despite the loss, the team displayed great effort and determination, committed to learning and growing with each game.