Lady Bulldogs rally past Bakersfield in five-set volleyball thriller, now 11-2
The Gainesville Lady Bulldogs volleyball team bounced back from a tough loss to Couch with a dramatic five-set victory over Bakersfield on the road Tuesday, Sept. 15, improving their varsity record to 11-2.
Gainesville struggled Monday night at home against Couch, falling in a match Coach Heidi Gaulding described as a “rough night” in which the Lady Bulldogs struggled in all aspects of the game.
The team quickly put the loss behind them, however, battling through a back-and-forth match against Bakersfield on Tuesday.
“Bakersfield has a relentless defense,” Gaulding said. “They dig up balls that you think will be down and they don’t give up on the ball.”
The Lady Lions proved to be a tough competitor, with the teams trading runs and momentum throughout the match.
Bakersfield took the opening set 25-22, but Gainesville answered with a 25-18 win in the second set. The Lady Lions regained the advantage with a 25-20 win in the third set.
Gainesville then fought off Bakersfield in a nail-biting fourth set, 25-23, before taking control in the deciding fifth set, 15-10, to secure the match victory.
Gaulding said several players stepped up when Gainesville needed important sideouts and scoring runs. The Lady Bulldogs also made defensive adjustments throughout the match and began making plays later in the contest that had given them trouble early.
Addie Alms led Gainesville's offense with 12 kills, followed by Avery Gaulding with 10. Baylor Hewett contributed 15 assists.
On defense, Macy Hambelton recorded a team-high 20 digs, while Gaulding added 15. Alms also recorded four solo blocks.
Alms, Gaulding and Hewett each served three aces.
JV remains undefeated
The Gainesville junior varsity squad continued its perfect season, improving to 8-0 with a pair of wins last week.
The Lady Bulldogs defeated Couch at home Monday, 25-9, 25-20, then traveled to Bakersfield Tuesday and won 25-17, 25-15.
The JV team remains undefeated at 8-0.
Gainesville hosted Chadwick Tuesday (results unavailable at presstime) and will host Lutie on Thursday.