Inconsistency across the board hurt the Lehman Lobos volleyball team in a 25-23, 25-14, 25-14 straight defeat to the Akins Eagles Tuesday at the Lobo Den.
Despite the loss, Lobo head coach Karen Young lauded the effort and the energy her team displayed in front of a home crowd.
“We play well at home. We’ve been struggling with that. It was a good thing for the girls and the crowd,” Young said. “Everything was positive energy. It was such a good thing to see.”
District 25-6A standings
Westlake 9-1
Lake Travis 8-1
Hays 7-2
Bowie 6-3
Austin 5-4
Ann Richards 5-5
Del Valle 2-6
Anderson 1-7
Lehman 1-8
Akins 1-8
Early on, Lehman battled point-for-point with the Eagles in a high-octane first set that featured a handful of ties and lead changes. Akins led 14-10 early in the frame before the Lobos tied the score at 16-16. But with the score tied at 23-23, Akins went on a 2-0 run to take the set and a 1-0 match lead.
Akins maintained that momentum into the second and third frames. While the Lobos orchestrated several long rallies at times, Young pointed to struggles in consistency as an issue that impeded success.
“We’re getting better at it (long rallies), but at this point of the season, we have got to have that down,” Young said.
As the second half of district play looms, Young aims to improve play as the Lobos attempt to end their losing streak.
“We’re playing well. It’s just a matter of making the routine plays. The big thing is just being consistent,” Young said.
Lobo Isabella Mantilla led the team with 12 kills while Teanly Dominguez finished with four kills. Leah Lara finished with 14 assists while Briana Greer had 14 digs.
Lehman hosts Lake Travis Friday, followed by a home match against Bowie Oct. 10 to close the first round of district play.
