Republic started its 2022 volleyball season with a bang, winning every set it played at the Branson Invitational on the way to a tournament championship. The Lady Tigers went 6-0 in sets during three pool-play matches, then beat Bolivar, Branson, and Strafford in gold bracket play to win the title. They swept Strafford by a wide margin in the championship game, 25-18 25-14.
The Lady Tigers got off to a slow start during an early-morning match against Reeds Spring, but won both close sets to open their day. Coach Allison Davis said she learned a lot about her team during the tournament.
“I learned how adaptable these girls are and how hard these girls are willing to fight and overcome challenges and mistakes,” she said. “It’s obvious these girls love and respect one another and want to work hard for each other. They are having fun, and that’s what it’s about.”
Republic made it into the top bracket last year, but lost in the semifinals to Lebanon before finishing third.
The Lady Tigers host Rogersville in their home opener Monday evening, starting with freshman play at 4:30.