Republic held off a Branson rally in the first set and cruised to victory in the second, beating the Lady Pirates 25-23 25-17 at home Thursday night.
With the Lady Tigers leading 20-15, Branson tore off seven straight points and appeared poised to steal the first set. Instead, Republic responded with a run of its own, scoring 10 of the next 13 points.
“I’m definitely proud of the for pushing back. We have struggled with a little bit of a lack of focus when we get to point 17, 18–tonight it was point 20,” says coach Piper Wright. “That’s something we’re continuing to work on, is focusing in until we finish all the way through to 25.”
Michayla Shanks had ten kills and 12 digs to lead the Lady Tigers. Emily Preston directed the offense with 22 assists, and Jera Pipkin had three service aces.
Republic improves to 3-8-2 overall, and 1-1 in the Central Ozark Conference.
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Junior Varsity: 19-25 Branson, 25-12 Republic, 15-11 Republic
Freshman: 26-24 Republic, 19-25 Branson, 12-15 Republic