DECATUR -- When the idea of a volleyball team was first proposed by two students riding a bus home one afternoon in January, they had no idea that their conversation was the beginning of a new sport at Decatur High School.
The Decatur volleyball team added two to the win column, bringing the current record to 3 and 1.
The Lady Bulldogs first traveled east to take on the Highlanders of Eureka Springs Aug. 25. There they got off to a rough start, losing the first set to Eureka Springs, 25-18. But, as has been the case thus far in the season, the Bulldogs picked up the pace and began playing like a team. They took the next three sets, 25-20, 25-16 and 25-17, to post their second victory of the season.
Next, the Decatur Lady Bulldogs played host to the Charleston Lady Tigers at Peterson Gym on Aug. 26.
In the first set, the Bulldogs jumped out in front early. However, Charleston rallied back to gain the advantage and the lead. Decatur tried to rally back but Charleston proved too strong. The Tigers took the first set, 25 to 18.
In the second set, the Bulldogs once again took an early lead, this time to hold it throughout the set. Charleston rallied several times and came close, but the Bulldogs proved too powerful, taking set two, 25 to 16.
As has been the case for all three home games, a group from the Decatur High school basketball team took on the role of cheerleaders and rallied the crowd for the Lady Bulldogs during the third set. Whatever magic they performed worked as the Lady Bulldogs played the best set thus far in their young season. But the Tigers were not ready to roll over just yet. Both teams played smart. The lead went back and forth several times before Decatur gained an advantage and took the set, 26 to 24.
Charleston stayed in the game to take the fourth set 25 to 19, sending the game into a tiebreaker in which the Bulldogs took command and eventually overpowered the Tigers to seal their third victory of the season, 15 to 10.
The Lady Bulldog volleyball team is off to what could become a Cinderella first season. The players have come together as a team both on and off the court. But Decatur faces one of their biggest challenges Sept. 21 when they travel north to take on 4A powerhouse, Gravette. The Lady Lions played Lincoln, the Lady Lions' first victory in Gravette, Sept. 1, and easily overpowered the Wolves in three straight sets.
The Decatur Lady Bulldogs will travel south to take on Charleston, Sept. 9, in the second of a four-game series with the Tigers. For more on the Decatur volleyball team or to checkout other Bulldog sporting events, go to decatursd.com/athletics.
Decatur Volleyball
in September
Sept. 9 at Charleston
Sept. 14 at Farmington
Sept. 17 at home against Eureka Springs
Sept. 21 at Gravette
Sept. 24 at home against Elkins - Teacher Appreciation Night
Sept. 28 at Charleston
Start times for all games is 4:30 p.m.
Sports on 09/09/2015