Lady Panthers Split Home Matches Defeat Buna in Three Sets

By Sharisa Nelson, Sports Reporter

The Anahuac Lady Panthers volleyball team split its two home matches last week, earning a hard-fought sweep over the Buna Lady Cougars before falling to the Hardin Lady Hornets.

Anahuac opened the week on Tuesday, September 29, hosting Buna. The Lady Panthers battled through three competitive sets to secure a 3-0 victory, winning 25-20, 25-23 and 30-28. The third set proved to be especially challenging as both teams fought to keep the match alive, but Anahuac came through when it mattered to complete the sweep.

Leading the Lady Panthers’ offense was #10 Lanecia Schonberg, who recorded 11 kills. #13 Sky Hedges contributed 11 assists, helping set up Anahuac’s attack, while #12 Addi Pierce led the defensive effort at the net with two solo blocks and two block assists.

Anahuac also received contributions from several other players. #12 Pierce finished with four kills, while #3 Tatum Hampton added two. Defensively, #1 Brecken Wilpitz recorded nine digs, and #2 Baylee Watson contributed five digs. The Lady Panthers’ balanced effort helped them secure the three-set win.

The victory improved Anahuac’s season record to 18-16 at the time, giving the team momentum heading into Friday’s matchup.

On Friday, October 2, the Lady Panthers welcomed the Hardin Lady Hornets but struggled to find their rhythm, falling 3-0. Hardin claimed the match with set scores of 25-14, 25-18 and 25-10.

#10 Schonberg led Anahuac with five kills, while #12 Pierce added three kills. #13 Hedges contributed two kills and recorded five assists to help direct the offense. Wilpitz led the defensive effort with 12 digs, while Hampton added 10 digs.

Despite the loss, the Lady Panthers continued to battle throughout the match. The defeat moved Anahuac’s season record to 18-17.

The Lady Panthers remained at home Tuesday, October 6, to host the East Chambers Lady Bucs in another important district matchup.

Anahuac will return to the road Friday, October 9, traveling to Orangefield to take on the Lady Bobcats. The Lady Panthers will look to regroup, build on the positives from their win over Buna and work toward another victory as district play continues.