After two losing seasons, Republic volleyball coach Piper Wright wasn't about to back down her expectations for the Lady Tigers in 2016, pushing for a 20-win season. Republic fell one win short of that goal, losing in the district semifinal to Carthage 25-21 25-23 — but not before putting up a heck of a fight.
The Lady Tigers (#3 seed) fell behind 14-4 in the opening set, but fought all the way back to tie the score at 20-20. The teams traded points before Carthage won four straight to take the opener.
In the second set, Republic won the first three points, but Carthage responded by winning seven of eight, grabbing a 7-4 lead. Republic surged ahead 13-10, but from there, no team led by more than two points. Republic led 22-21, and seemed on the verge of tying the match, but Carthage won four of the next five points to clinch the victory.
"After that first half of the first set, we did a good job adjusting the timing of our blocks so we could get some touches on their attacks. I think that's what made a huge difference," says coach Piper Wright. "That's one of the best matches I've seen — both sets. After being down 10, they could very easily have said this is over, but they fought. I'm incredibly proud of the fight that they had tonight."
Carthage went on to sweep top-seeded Carl Junction in the finals to win the district championship.
The loss marked the final match for seniors Rachael Combs, Lexi Long, Hailey Noblitt, and Alli Wright. Republic ends its season 19-13-1.
