Northwest’s Levariya Pinder attacks and scores a kill in the second set of the Lady Texans’ four-set District 4-6A season-opening loss to Keller, 25-23, 23-25, 25-15 and 25-17, on Tuesday. MICAH MCCARTNEY | WCMESSENGER
Entering their first game in District 4-6A, the Northwest Lady Texans could not hold on until the end.
With the score tied at 1-1, Keller’s strong defensive effort made it difficult for Northwest to establish an offensive rhythm. The Lady Indians defeated the Lady Texans in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-15, 25-17.
The loss pushed Northwest’s record to 14-6 (0-1).
“I don’t think (the loss) was so bad because we’re playing in a 6A district now, but more because we’re starting district so early in the schedule,” Northwest coach Jennifer Chandler said. “We had a great non-district game, but unfortunately we didn’t quite measure up today. The kids all played hard, and that’s all you can ask for. We’re ready to get back in the gym and get ready for our next game.”
After a back-and-forth in the first two sets, Keller began to hurt Northwest with his defense.
The Northwest Lady Texans celebrate with outside hitter Levariya Pinder (13), who recorded her 1,000th career kill in the opening set against Keller on Tuesday at Texan Gym. MICAH MCCARTNEY | WCMESSENGER
second set. The Lady Indians’ largest lead was 10 points, 19-9, forcing Chandler to stop play.
After the break, the Lady Texans could no longer stop Keller’s lead and the Lady Indians were able to build a 2-1 lead.
Keller was really good at the start of the fourth set, sparking a 6-0 run and causing another Northwest breakdown. The Lady Indians finished the final set with a 19-17 run.
“We had really good chemistry and played really hard,” Chandler said. “Keller is such a good defensive team and they kept the ball in play. I think the difference was blocking — we need to be more consistent in our defense around the block, and that will come.”
Despite the loss, the coach said she was proud of outside hitter Lavariya Pinder, who was honored after the first set for her 1,000th career kill.
“Levariya is so much fun to watch and she is so explosive,” Chandler said. “She is a great blocker on our front line. She is obviously great on offense, but she has really improved defensively this year. Levariya is such a positive leader who tries to motivate and inspire her teammates. I am proud of her and her competitive spirit, leadership and integrity.”
Last week, the Lady Texans went 5-3 at the Northwest ISD Classic. Northwest picked up wins over Rockwall (25-14, 25-27, 28-26), Frisco Reedy (25-19, 25-14), Waxahachie (25-17, 28-26), Prosper (25-19, 26-28, 25-15) and Eaton (20-25, 25-19, 25-21) and losses to Henbron (25-20, 25-20), Lucas Lovejoy (25-21, 25-20) and Flower Mound (21-25, 25-20, 25-17).
Northwest hosts a doubleheader against Decatur and Birdville on Friday starting at 4 p.m. The Lady Texans return to league play on Tuesday with an away game against Eaton at 5:30 p.m.
