Imani Fairman and the Lehman volleyball team got off to a fast start in District 27-4A action as the Lady Lobos beat Lockhart in four games. (photo by Bruce Ruckel, www.chaparralphoto.com)
By JASON GORDON
There was a time in the not too distant past where the Lehman volleyball team would have had a difficult time rallying for a victory against any district foe.
Head coach Megan Griffin and the rest of the Lady Lobos showed Friday night at Lockhart those days might be in the rearview mirror.
After winning a thrilling first game, the Lady Lobos lost the second against the Lady Lions, but instead of wilting, Lehman finished strong for a 26-24, 13-25, 25-15, 25-17 victory in the District 27-4A opener for both teams.
“I’m very proud of our girls,” Griffin said. “All 10 made it onto the court and it seemed like each and every one of them stepped up at one time or another in the match. We got a little nervous in the second game, but we rallied back.”
In the first game, Vikki Smith assisted on Imani Fairman and Ariana Gallegos kills to give the Lady Lobos the lead late. Strong Lehman serving led to key Lockhart hitting errors down the stretch and the Lady Lobos were able to take the game 26-24.
Gallegos and Lauren Ayala led the Lady Lobos at the net, as each recorded two game one blocks.
After Lockhart tied things up with a win in game number two, Fairman made sure the Lady Lobos weren’t going to lose game three as the junior came up big with five kills in the 25-15 win.
“Fairman was pretty much unstoppable in game three,” Griffin said. “She definitely helped us regain the momentum in the match.”
Aleeya Eskridge stepped up in game four, coming through with four kills of her own for Lehman.
Once again, powerful Lady Lobo serving kept Lockhart off balance, leading to numerous late errors. Gallegos, who finished the game with eight blocks, gave Lehman a match point with her wall-like play at the net, and a final Lady Lions’ error gave the Lady Lobos the match.
“Hopefully the girls will carry over this momentum to the rest of district,” Griffin said. “They have a great attitude and are excited to play.”
Alex Smith said there’s no doubt the attitude around the Lehman volleyball program is changing.
“It felt really good beating Lockhart,” she said. “We are finally playing to our potential as a team and the program is going in a positive direction. This is the year we have a chance to defy all expectations.”
Lehman will hit the court again Friday night at home when the Lady Lobos host Clemens. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
