Lady 'Birds move to must-win scenarios
By KRIS BAGLEY sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Kris Bagley Perfect Pass Stephanie Korenek connects for a pass in El Campo's match with Foster Friday. Korenek served for 17 points and 2 aces in the Lady 'Birds' 3-2 loss.

El Campo fell to Foster in five games Friday in an intense volleyball match at home.

The Lady 'Birds had a great start to the match with a 25-20 win, but El Campo fell behind in the next two games and lost 25-19 and 25-18.

With pressure on them, the Lady 'Birds came through with a 25-20 win in game four and tied the match 2-2.

The fifth and final game was filled with intense action and screaming fans for both sides.

El Campo took the early lead and moved ahead 2-0, but Foster came back to tie the game with 2 quick points.

Meredith Bard played strong defense at the net and blocked several attacks in the fifth game to keep El Campo close to Foster.

At one point, the Falcons pulled ahead 12-8, leading the Lady 'Birds to call a time out.

El Campo rallied to score 4 straight points, including a nice tip by Raven Owens, cutting the lead to 12-11.

The Lady 'Birds were only able to score 1 more point the entire game and Foster rallied for a 15-12 win.

The loss moved El Campo to fourth place in District 24- 4A and in a tough spot during a playoff push. With matches coming up against some of the district's best teams, El Campo will need to have a winning streak in order to play in postseason.

Bard led the Lady 'Birds with 14 kills while Ashley Zboril made 12, Kaylan Gangl had 11, Stephanie Korenek had 6, Kelsey Gangl had 5 and Shelby Cooper had 4 kills.

Kristi Michaelsen was El Campo's top server of the night with 20 points. Kelsey Gangl scored 19 points, Korenek and Kaylan Gangl both scored 17, Bard scored 16 and Zboril had 14 total points.

Of all El Campo's servers, Kelsey Gangl had the most aces with 3. Michaelsen, Korenek and Zboril each had 2 and Bard had 1 ace.

Michaelsen made a teamhigh 30 assists with Owens finishing close behind with 16.

Zboril led the defense with 10 kills while Kelsey Gangl and Bard both had 9, Korenek and 7 and Michaelsen had 1 kill.

Bard was strong at the net with 5 blocks, Kelsey Gangl made 4 and Korenek, Cooper and Kaylan Gangl each had 1 block.

The Lady 'Birds traveled to Katy Tuesday to take on Seven Lakes and will face Terry in Rosenberg Friday. Both matches will be important for El Campo's post-season hopes.

24-4A VOLLEYBALL DISTRICT STANDINGS