Critical points in the clutch played a vital role in the state-ranked Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball team’s 25-23, 26-24, 25-21 sweep over the Hays Rebels Tuesday at Bales Gym.

While Hays (6-4) kept pace with the Tigers (8-4) in the first two frames, the Rebels were unable to keep an experienced Dripping Springs squad from pulling away late.

Tied at 16-16 in a tightly contested first set, Dripping Springs closed the frame by outscoring Hays 9-7 to take a 1-0 match lead. Back and forth play continued into the second frame where Hays rallied to hold match point at 24-22.

However, the Tigers responded with a 4-0 run to end the set and snag a commanding 2-0 match lead.

Dripping Springs kept momentum in the third set, building a 20-10 lead before Hays battled back. Hays cut the lead to three points at 24-21 but couldn’t get any closer.

Hays head coach Ashley Davis lauded the team’s resiliency, but said Dripping Springs was “more consistent in bigger moments.”

Davis said the Rebels are still getting used to her style of coaching, along with building chemistry and trust with each other as well.

“It’s knowing everyone has each other’s back, that’s our big thing. We’re all going to fight for each other,” Davis said. “It was a good match, a good comeback. But they’re a good team.”

Hays travels to play at the Fraulein Tournament in New Braunfels Aug. 15-17. The Rebels host Cedar Ridge Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.