Lady Loboes spike Midland Lee in straight sets
    By Randy Hogan, Staff writer ~~ Monahans News, September 8, 2006

The Monahans Lady Loboes returned to the Jerry Larned Sports Complex Tuesday night and continued to steamroll through Class 5A competition by sweeping Midland Lee in straight sets 25-13, 25-22, 25-22.

Monahans (22-2) pounded out 34 kills against the Lady Reb's leaving no doubt that they are one of the premiere volleyball teams in West Texas.  The only blemishes on their impressive season record came at the hands of Class 5A San Angelo Central.

The Lady Loboes appeared fine tuned after winning the Seminole tournament over the weekend.

Monahans went undefeated in pool play Friday, knocking off Lubbock Christian 25-5, 25-12; Lubbock Monterey 25-20, 25-17; and Canyon 25-18, 25-18.

On Saturday, MHS defeated tournament host Seminole in the Gold bracket 25-14, 25-5, moving them into the semifinal round against Midland High.  The Lady Loboes took out Midland 25-21, 25-23 and punched their ticket to the tournament finals.

Monahans dropped game one of the match to Canyon 17-25, before roaring back to claim the tournament title 25-23, 25-22.

MHS junior Jordan Latham was named the tournament MVP, while Kaitlin Mitchell and Bailey Marcum were named to the All-Tournament team. 

Against Midland Lee (17-6) Tuesday, Monahans utilized their experience to dominate the Lady Reb's from the opening serve.

The Ladies, who were led by Jordan Latham's 11 kills and Kaitlin Mitchell's 27 assists, have excelled against larger opponents this season.

"We've been really fortunate to have good 5A teams around us," Monahans coach Patty Dominguez said.  "They help us get stronger.  They provide experience against bigger blocks, quicker defenses.  We appreciate them for playing us."

Latham finished the night with 11 kills, 1 block and 10 digs to lead the Green.

Catherine Cutbirth recorded 10 kills, 2 assist, 9 digs and an ace in the match, while Mitchell picked up an incredible 27 assist, 2 kills, 7 digs and an ace.

Bethany Willmon blasted 8 kills and picked up 12 digs in the match, and Bailey Marcum accounted for 3 kills, 1 assist, 2 kills and 7 digs against the big front line of Midland Lee.

The Lady Loboes rotation was once again productive for Dominguez, as Kim Wilson hammered 2 aces, 1 block and a dig coming off the bench for MHS.

Defensive specialist Dina Ortiz flew around the court and picked up 3 digs, while Paige Shaw also recorded a dig on the night.

"We are getting better every time we step onto the court," Dominguez said.  "We need to continue to improve every time out to make a run again in the playoffs."

The Lady Loboes travel to Lubbock Saturday for a duel match with Class 5A Lubbock Monterey and former Lady lobo Jennifer McCully's Frenship Tigers (Class 4A).  First match is scheduled for noon Saturday.

Keyed by Kalah Ramsey, Junior '06