by JASON GORDON
The Lehman volleyball team is on a roll like no other in the history of the program, just in time to face their rivals from across Interstate 35.
The Lady Lobos, who improved to 2-1 in District 27-4A action by sweeping Clemens last Friday, will take on a Hays High team which is 2-2 in league play in a game that could have playoff implications down the road.
The match at Bales Gym is scheduled to begin at begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Lehman has never beaten Hays in varsity volleyball since the school opened in 2004.
“It would be so exciting if we were able to beat Hays,” said Lehman senior Alex Smith. “I’ve always wanted to but now that I’m a senior it intensifies the feeling. Two of the players on the Hays team are my best friends, but not for that night. In order to beat them we have to minimize our mistakes and do what our coach has been telling us.”
Lehman first-year head coach Megan Griffin understands the magnitude of Friday night’s game as well.
“It feels so nice to have gotten off to such a good start in district,” Griffin said. “That energy should definitely carry over to this week. We have a game versus our number one rival Hays. One of my goals has been to change the mindset of our girls to believing they can win these kind of matches.”
Griffin said she has been told more than once Lehman has never beaten Hays.
“I’m well aware of that fact,” she said. “I think we can beat any team on any given day. I really believe that. I think if we can get over the mental factor we’ll be fine. I think it’s past time this streak ends.”
Hays players say they will not take Lehman lightly Friday night.
“We are definitely aware no Hays team has lost to Leh-man and I’m confident we will not be the first,” Hays senior Kelsea Sadler said. “There is a ton of energy all around campus this week and everyone is well prepared to give everything it takes to beat our district rivals.”
Hays head coach Erica Walther said the Lady Rebels have to win the match to stay in the district race.
“It’s a must-win for us,” Walther said. “We obviously don’t want to be the first team to lose to Lehman either. It should be a very exciting match. There’s usually a lot of energy on the court when we play against each other.”
