MOORE — Moore War extended to the volleyball court Saturday afternoon when Westmoore and Moore clashed in the finals of the Southmoore Varsity Volleyball Tournament.
Unlike the gridiron version two weeks ago, the teams played a relatively competitive match. However, the ending was still the same as the Jaguars prevailed with a 3-0 (25-28, 25-26, 27-25) sweep of the Lions.
“They did a good job this tournament,” Westmoore coach Heather Ruiz said. “They stayed disciplined. They stayed focused. Everyone did their job, showed up and played hard.”
The Lions played tough and kept the matches intense. In the third they could have rolled over trailing 2-0. But after getting down big, Aria Lewis, Beth Rawlins and Shelby Beavers ignited a comeback as they took a 25-24 lead. One more point and they would have forced a fourth set.
However, the Jaguars were ready to end the night. They tied the match and then let Madison Dobbs do the rest. The outside hitter banged out two consecutive spikes, including the game-winner that was too much for Moore to handle.
“Those spikes were so good,” Dobbs said. “I got so excited. It felt good though. I was happy that I got to be the one to hit them. I think that’s fun.”
Ruiz was not surprised by Dobbs’ performance. It’s what she expects from her.
“She did a great job in the final,” Ruiz said. “She is our go-to girl and she pulled through.”
Moore was not disappointed in what they saw from themselves during the tournament also.
“I think we played hard,” Rawlins said. “Recently our games have been kind of ugly. But we definitely fought hard, and I’m proud of the girls.”
The two-day tournament featured Choctaw, PC West, Mount St. Mary, Midwest City, Piedmont and Lawton High. The Jaguars maneuvered through the competition to land in the title game and won it all. But it was all made better by who they beat.
“It’s the first tournament we’ve won all year,” Dobbs said. “In my four years here, it’s the first tournament we’ve won. So it’s really exciting. The fact it was Moore makes it even better.”
Moore will not play again until Sept. 24 when the Lions host Bishop Kelly.
Southmoore didn’t participate in its own tourney, but is back in action Thursday when it will take on Westmoore at SMH.
Michael Kinney Follow me @eyeamtruth mkinney@mooreamerican.com
