The Pampa Lady Harvesters (18-17, 2-7) are continuing to play through the second round of District play. While they have dropped their first two matches at West Plains and home for Randall, that hasn’t kept the Lady Harvesters from recognizing those who have made an impact in their lives in the classroom.
On Tuesday, prior to their game against Randall, the Lady Harvesters recognized teachers for Teacher Appreciation Night. Each player had selected a teacher and prepared a gift basket and a written endorsement about that teacher.
“Teachers are an integral part of our student athlete’s high school career,” Head Coach Kaylee Samulowitz said.
“Teachers are often overworked and underappreciated, so we like to take the time to make them feel special. This year the girls wanted to make personalized gifts for their teachers, which I thought was a cool idea. As a teacher, any gift from a high school student is so appreciated, but something personal that shows you are known and loved is even better.”
During the match, Junior Madi Barton tallied her 1,000th career assist. Playing in an “assist” role is one of the most selfless, but also most important, roles a player can be play. In the sport of volleyball, it’s no difference.
“Like I’ve said before, Madi plays a huge role on our team,” Samulowitz said. “I am tougher on Madi than any other player on our team, but it’s because she has the most important job. She has improved so much this season and has been so coachable. 1000 assists is a huge milestone, and it’s exciting that she still has another season to play next year.”
The Lady Harvesters started off Round 2 of District with the gauntlet of Randall and West Plains.
“Playing Randall and West Plains to start the second round is tough, but it’s definitely good preparation for the next four games,” Samulowitz said. “Even though we didn’t win either game, I think they gave us some confidence that if we can compete with the best, then we can go and win the next four games, starting with Borger on Saturday.”
Speaking of the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Harvesters are definitely not looking past Borger and know playing at Borger is way different than in the friendly confines of McNeely Fieldhouse.
“Borger has had a lot of success this year and has played some tough opponents really close, so we aren’t overlooking them by any means,” Samulowitz said. “Our girls also lost to them in Borger last year, so I think they are focused and ready to go and get another win on Saturday.”
Stat Round-Up vs. Randall
Senior Haili Newton had six kills and one assist; Senior Olivia Owens had six kills, one ace and three assists; Sophomore Emme Hill had five kills, one ace and one assist; Junior Madi Barton had two kills, one ace and 14 assists; Sophomore Addison Bagwell had one kill and five assists; Junior Kinley Duke had one kill and four assists; Senior Yaritza Saenz had one ace and two assists; and Junior Brooklyn Warren had one assist.
