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Snyder senior A’Nia Ware served the volleyball during Snyder’s three-set sweep over San Angelo Lake View Tuesday. -
Snyder junior Kate McWilliams served the volleyball during Snyder’s three-set sweep over San Angelo Lake View Tuesday.
There is no better way to prepare for the volleyball playoffs than a sweep.
That is what Snyder did against San Angelo Lake Ciew on Tuesday in the District 5-4A finale.
The Lady Tigers (17-16, 5-3) finished second in the district and will play Vernon in a bi-district playoff match at Albany High School at 6 p.m. Monday.
“We intended to use the match like a warmup for the playoffs and didn’t play like we wanted,” Snyder interim head coach Mindi Bredemeyer said. “We wanted to play like we did against Greenwood last week. It’s hard to play with that kind of intensity against competition not as strong. We will move on and head to the playoffs.”
Snyder trailed for most of the first set. Lake View led 23-21 before Snyder tied the match at 23-23. The Lady Tigers scored three of the next four points to win the set, 26-24.
Lake View gained the early lead in the second set before Snyder rallied for the 25-22 win. Snyder closed out the match by winning the third set, 25-18.
Natalee James finished with seven kills, three service aces, 12 digs and seven blocked shots.
Kate McWilliams had six kills, 15 assists, three digs and five blocked shots. Kendra Bynum had 11 kills, one service ace, 15 assists, three digs and five blocked shots. A’Nia Ware had three kills, 19 assists, two digs and four blocked shots.
“We have a great group of players who are talented,” Bredemeyer said. “I began my coaching career at Snyder when the juniors were in the seventh grade. I’ve been with them every year. I’m proud of all of the players. They are not just talented athletes, but do other activities, such as serve on the student council, participate in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and are among the top 10 academically in their class.”
Bredemeyer said Snyder’s success this season was not a surprise.
“I’m proud of the team for finishing second, but our goal was first place,” she said. “We are glad to get a higher seed than previous years. Vernon will be a competitive team. We will be OK if we play well. We will practice for the remainder of the week and throw in a Saturday practice for the first time this year. I don’t want to go from Friday to Monday without practicing. We will be ready for Monday.”
Snyder statistics — A’Nia Ware 3 kills, 19 assists, 2 digs, 4 blocked shots; Abby Benitez 15 digs; Kamiah Davis 7 kills, 3 digs, 2 blocked shots; Kate McWilliams 6 kills, 15 assists, 3 digs, 5 blocked shots; Kendra Bynum 11 kills, 1 service ace, 15 assists, 3 digs, 5 blocked shots; Madelyn Cravens 4 kills; Morgan Grant 2 kills, 2 digs, 1 blocked shot; Natalee James 7 kills, 3 service aces, 12 digs, 7 blocked shots; Nicole Martinez 1 service ace, 1 dig.