Ladies go  11-0, face Seminole Tuesday
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News, August 23, 2005

The  Monahans Lady Loboes moved their season record to 11-0 in route to reclaiming the Sandhills Tournament of Champions title this past weekend at the Jerry Larned Sport Complex.

Monahans opened the tournament by defeating Van Horn 25-13, 25-9 on Friday morning.  MHS sent former Lady Lobo standout Megan (McGuire) David's 2004 Class 2-A State-Finalist Denver City Fillies to the losers bracket, by winning the match 25-10, 25-14.

In the final match of pool play, the Ladies faced the 2004 TAPPS 4-A State Champion Lubbock Trinity Christian Lions, in what would be a preview of the tournament championship game.

After dropping  game one of the match of the Lions 22-25, the Lady Loboes rolled up consecutive 25-13, 25-17 wins to claim the number one seed in the championship round. 

"We started a little slow, but it's been indicative of what level of competition we have been playing lately," Coach Patty Dominguez said.  "We  knew Lubbock Trinity would be tough.  They came out with guns blazing and really hit the ball at us, dug us and blocked us really well.  We had to make adjustments in game two to play at that level."

Experience on the court made the difference for Monahans in game three of the Trinity match.  Bethany Willmon made a big defensive dig against Kelsea Loveless for a key point and momentum swing in the game. 

"That play really changed the momentum," Dominguez said.  "My girls started moving more and picking up balls, really going after everything, and that's what we want from them."

Monahans got anther test from a former Lady  Lobo as Jennifer (Jasso) McCully's Frenship Tigers squared off with MHS to open up the gold-championship round Saturday.  The Ladies won the match 25-19, 25-14 to remain undefeated.

"We knew Frenship would play us tough," Dominguez said.  "Jennifer had them ready, and they played a good match.  The level of play was certain higher and we responded. "

Monahans then found themselves in a rematch with Dalhart from the Area round of the 2004 playoffs.  Perhaps remembering the five-game match with Dalhart in the playoffs, MHS made quick work of the Golden Wolves 25-16, 25-22, and setting up a rematch with Lubbock Trinity for the tournament  championship.

The Lady Loboes  remained undefeated by winning a classic match with the Lions 13-25, 25-17, 25-19.

"This tournament does a lot to prepare you early with good competition," Trinity Coach Todd Hay said.  Every year quality teams  come here, and when you make  the championship bracket you'll find good volleyball every match."

Monahans travels to Seminole Tuesday, Aug. 23, for a non-district showdown with the Maidens at 6:30 pm.

Seminole played in the Monahans tournament over the weekend, but did not meet the Lady Loboes. 

"They have some big hitters," Dominguez said.  Stacy Fitzhugh is a 6'3" middle hitter that can dominate the net.  Outside hitter Erin Sheets is a left-handed hitter that gives teams trouble.  Erin is jumping and hitting well right now, so it will be good to go up against a lefty."

Dominguez had the opportunity to scout the Maidens over the weekend, and said the Seminole does some things that will allow MHS to take advantage of opportunities.  "They will play us tough.  They always do," Dominguez said.  "The intensity of the rivalry between Monahans and Seminole is good for us.  We like that atmosphere."

Keyed by Jason Dimm, Senior