Lady Panthers Battle Through Tough Stretch, Find Wins at YMBL Tournament

By Sharisa Nelson, Sports Reporter

  The Anahuac Lady Panthers continued a busy stretch of volleyball action last week, traveling to Hardin on Tuesday, September 8, before competing in the YMBL Tournament in Beaumont on September 10 and 12. The Lady Panthers also made the short trip to Winnie on Friday, September 11, to face the East Chambers Lady Buccaneers.

  Anahuac opened the week on the road against the Hardin Lady Hornets, falling 3-0 by scores of 25-13, 25-11 and 25-11. The loss marked the Lady Panthers’ fifth consecutive defeat and dropped their season record to 10-11.

  #10 Lanecia Schonberg led Anahuac offensively against Hardin with four kills, while #13 Sky Hedges contributed five assists. Schonberg also led the defensive effort with three blocks. The Lady Panthers recorded nine kills as a team and finished with 31 digs, with #1 Brecken Wilpitz leading the way with 13 digs.

  The Lady Panthers then headed to Beaumont for the YMBL Tournament, where they began turning things around. Pool Games results: Bob Hope W 2-0; Beaumont United L 0-2; and Hull-Daisetta W 2-0.

  Anahuac opened Saturday’s tournament action with a strong 2-0 victory over Good Samaritan HomeSchool, winning 25-16 and 25-17. #4 Rai’Ana Lewis and #12 Addi Pierce each recorded four kills, while #10 Lanecia Schonberg added three kills. #13 Sky Hedges finished with seven assists and #9 Addi DeHoyos recorded three aces. The Panthers followed that performance with another 2-0 win over Cleveland, taking the sets 25-9 and 25-18. #3 Tatum Hampton led the Panthers with three kills, while #9 Addi DeHoyos recorded five assists. #1 Brecken Wilpitz was strong from the service line, collecting four aces. Anahuac then faced West Brook, falling 2-0 by scores of 25-21 and 25-9. Despite the loss, #10 Lanecia Schonberg paced the Panthers with six kills and added two blocks. #1 Brecken Wilpitz led the defensive effort with 17 digs, while the Panthers finished with 37 digs as a team. The Panthers closed out their tournament action against East Chambers, battling back after dropping the opening set 25-19. Anahuac answered with a 25-21 win in the second set before taking the deciding third set 15-9 for a 2-1 victory. #10 Lanecia Schonberg finished with five kills, while #12 Addi Pierce added four and #4 Rai’Ana Lewis three. #13 Sky Hedges and #9 Addi DeHoyos each recorded seven assists, and #1 Brecken Wilpitz contributed 13 digs. #3 Tatum Hampton led the Panthers with 14 digs.

  The victory over East Chambers gave Anahuac its third win in four matches following the five-game losing streak and moved the Panthers to 15-14 on the season. Coach Hart commented, “I am beyond PROUD of this team and their never give up attitude!”

  The Lady Panthers showed plenty of resilience throughout the week, responding to a difficult start against Hardin by earning three wins during tournament play. Their strong finish at YMBL provided valuable momentum as they continue through the 2026 volleyball season.

  Congratulations to the Lady Panthers for placing 3^rd in the YMBL Tournament! Another congratulations to Brecken Wilpitz and Lanecia Schonberg for being selected for the All-Tournament Team!

  The Anahuac Lady Panthers continued their season on Tuesday, September 15^th when they hosted the Orangefield Lady Bobcats. The Lady Panthers will host the Kirbyville Lady Wildcats on Friday, September 18^th with the Varsity game starting at 4:30pm.