Henderson Sweeps Mineola in First-Round Volleyball Action

NEW CHAPEL HILL — The Henderson Lady Lions assembled a solid performance Tuesday night, sweeping Mineola 25-22, 25-21, 25-20 in a Class 3A Region II bi-district volleyball playoff at Chapel Hill High School.

Henderson's Tiarra Davis had eight kills and two blocks and Codie Whitehead added two kills and five blocks. Henderson (25-11) plays Emory Rains at a time to be determined Saturday evening in Lindale in an area playoff. Mineola's season ends with a 30-10 record.

“We knew what Mineola had we just didn’t know what they were going to bring,” Henderson coach Leann Dorsey said. “We scouted a little bit but either way we knew we had to play our game. We played very well tonight. We were firing on all cylinders, hitting well and defensively played well. I was very pleased tonight. We just need to go out against Emory Rains and do the best we can. We don’t really know much about them so I’m sure I’ll be doing some work between now and Saturday.”

Mineola tied Game 1 late at 22-22 , but the Lady Lions battled back to take the first game. Propelled by six consecutive points by Karley Free, Henderson took the lead early in Game 2. Mineola cut the Henderson lead late again, 24-21, but a kill by Katy Phipps clinched the game and a 2-0 match advantage for Henderson.

Henderson gained an 9-1 lead on Mineola in the third game. After a kill by Brittney Johnson, the Lady Jackets clawed back within one late but failed to tie Henderson. Free then set up a monster block to secure the game and the match for Henderson.

Free had two kills and three blocks, while teammate Kami McCaw had four kills. Mineola's Marisa Ledkins had four kills, four blocks, and five digs, and teammate Jordan Dawson added in with five kills.