Tyler Lee Keeps On Rolling With Sweep Of District 12-5A Rival Longview

TYLER -- The Tyler Lee Lady Raiders continued their hot streak Tuesday night against District 12-5A rival Longview, sweeping the Lady Lobos 25-20, 25-20, 25-14.

Lee (28-10, 7-2) has now won eight of its last nine, remaining in the driver's seat for second place in the district with three regular-season matches remaining.

"At times I think we did really well, but we did not block well and that's something that's going to be key especially for the playoffs," Lee coach Melissa Lee said. "We have our games where we block all the time, then we have games like this when we don't. We've just got to work on our blocking this week."

Lee was led by Mallory Kuechle's 10 kills. Kenshai Moseley and Alexis Crowder combined for 9 kills and two blocks to pace the Lady Raiders' offensive attack.

"Mallory's usually very consistent and we count on her a lot," Lee said. "Alexis and Kenshai both stepped up a little bit tonight. They're really starting to have more confidence."

Rebekah Bowden contributed two kills, two blocks and two aces, while the setting duo of Melissa Menard and Chelsea Geter teamed for 25 assists.

Taylor Winchester spear-headed the Lady Raiders' defensive effort with several point-saving digs.

"Taylor Winchester seemed to be reading the hitters really well tonight," Lee said.

Hailee Brewer led Longview (19-15, 1-7) with seven kills and two blocks. Jonae Thompson added five kills, two assists and two aces, while Kaitlyn Adams registered four kills and an assist.

Lee built a 12-7 lead in Game 1, but Longview ultimately cut it to 21-19 before the Lady Raiders responded by claiming four of the next five points on a kill from Jaina Giddens, a Moseley blocks and pair of kills from Kuechle.

Game 2 followed a similar script to the match's opening set with Lee opening a 19-14 lead before Longview clawed back to get within two at 21-19. Again the Lady Raiders closed out the match with four of the next five points, highlighted by a Kuechle kill and two kills from Crowder.

The Lady Raiders were in complete control in the third and deciding game. Lee opened up a 17-9 lead thanks to a strong attack from Kuechle, Crowder and Moseley. The Lady Raiders then took advantage of a series of Longview unforced errors to finish off the sweep.

Lee is off on Friday, returning to the court next Tuesday at Mesquite. Longview plays host to district-leading Rockwall-Heath on Friday.