The Pampa Lady Harvesters (18-15, 2-5) open Round 2 of District play on Saturday when they travel to Amarillo to take on West Plains.
The team will be looking to steal some road wins in this round as they look to keep playoff hopes alive.
Head Coach Kaylee Samulowitz said that while the effort the girls have put in this season is not showing in the win-loss column, Pampa has shown a lot of tenacity through the first round of District play.
“What I saw in Round 1 is a group of girls who are resilient and love to compete,” Samulowitz said. “We have gone toe to toe with some of the top teams in the state and even though the record may not show it, these girls have played some really great volleyball.”
While the Lady Harvesters can’t control who the next opponent is on their schedule, much less who is in their district, Samulowitz would like to see the team control what they can control.
“In round two I would like to see us be more consistent with the things we can control: effort, energy and attitude,” Samulowitz said. “Then I want to see us continue to be great at the things we do well like serving and serve-receive passing. I think we will continue to get into more of an offensive rhythm this round as well.”
Samulowitz said Junior Madi Barton has shown tremendous growth as the season progressed.
“I would say Madi has improved a lot throughout district,” Samulowitz said. “Setting in a 5-1 offense is a really tough job, and Madi and I have worked a lot on her location and consistency. She has been a great server and defender for us, and her blocking continues to improve. She is working on getting our hitters in the best position to score, and I know she is going to continue getting even better.”
District play continues on Saturday when the Lady Harvesters travel to West Plains to take on the Lady Wolves. Game time starts at noon.
Stat roundup at the midpoint of District
Senior Haili Newton has 55 kills, 60 digs and two aces; Sophomore Addi Bagwell has 33 kills, 13 aces, 77 digs, three total blocks and five assists; Junior Brooklyn Warren has 42 kills, 23 digs, five assists and three blocks; Senior Naya Gallegos has five aces, four assists and 48 digs; Junior Madi Barton has one ace, seven kills, 56 digs and 160 assists; Senior Olivia Owens has 29 kills, 17 aces, 15 digs, one assist and three total blocks; Junior Myla Zarate has 80 digs, eight assists and one total block; Junior Karsyn Brown has six aces, 36 kills, 14 total blocks, one assist and 14 digs; Senior Yartiza Saenz has one ace, one assist and 11 digs; Junior Kinley Duke has one ace, four kills, two total blocks and six digs; Senior Elli Peet has three kills.
