The Prairiland Lady Patriots took a big step in repeating as district champions with a key road win against a fellow team with an undefeated record in district play. The Lady Patriots (13-2, 4-0) traveled to Emory and took down the Rains Lady Wildcats (13-1, 3-1) in five sets by a final score of 23-25, 25-17, 25-15, 19-25, and 15-10.
After dropping a close first set, the Lady Patriots began to dominate on the front line and played quality defense to take the next two sets by a total margin of 18 points. After Rains came back to claim a close fourth set, Prairiland was able to pull away late in the sudden-death fifth set to stand alone in first place in the district standings while handing Rains its first loss on the year. Prairiland Lady Patriots took down Rains.
Senior middles T.J. Folse and Reese Parris were forces on the front line, finishing with 19 and 15 kills, respectively. Folse also contributed 8 digs and both seniors had 4 blocks. Junior outside hitter Ali Sessums had a significant impact on the win with 12 kills and 20 digs, while sophomore outside hitter Kyndal Yaross added 4 kills and 16 digs.
Sophomore setter Chloe Raley registered 18 kills and 10 digs, while freshman setter Hanna Cope had 25 assists. Lady Patriots libero Lanna Riney poured in 10 digs, while Katelyn Cornmesser totaled 2 kills and 1 block.
The Lady Patriots look to move to 5-0 in district play with a match at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Grand Saline.
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