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Crosstown Showdown: volleyball rematch
By Brent Wilburn
The Paris News
Published October 16, 2009
This season hasn’t been as successful as the North Lamar Pantherettes had hoped it would be when they began their district slate a few weeks ago.
On the other hand, the Paris Lady Cats are still on pace to possibly achieve their goal of winning the District 10-3A championship.
The two teams are scheduled to cross paths for the second time this season at 4:30 p.m. today at Panther Gym.
Paris (26-6, 5-1) claimed a four-game win over North Lamar (18-16, 2-4) in the first match between the two teams this season, which was played in Wildcat Gym.
Today’s clash means even more to both teams since both have a better idea of where they stand in the district. Paris is tied with Commerce for first place in the district, while North Lamar is in fifth place and is still trying to stay within striking distance of one of the district’s three playoff spots.
“Paris and North Lamar is always a big game,” North Lamar head coach Jimmy Fendley said. “It doesn’t matter if both teams are 6-0 going into it or 0-6, it’s still a big game. On top of that, it’s big for us to keep our hopes alive for the playoffs.”
Just moments after a win over Bonham on Tuesday night, Paris High head coach Melanie Hodges had already placed her focus on today’s important match against her squad’s crosstown rival.
“That game is always going to be tough,” she said. “They could be the worst team in the district, and they would still be competition for us. That’s never going to change.”
North Lamar successfully distanced itself from the worst team in the district after claiming a three-game win over Anna just one week ago.
Today, the goal will be to begin an ascension to the top of the standings and avoid more of a drop-off. A loss today would mean the best finish for the Pantherettes would be 5-5.
“If we can get the win, we’d still control our own destiny without having to have help,” Fendley said. “It makes it even bigger for us because of that. It’s important for us. That’s for sure.”
Paris sophomore Andi Bawcum was a key factor for her team in the previous meeting, as she had nine service aces and 14 kill shots. Tiara Hall had 25 kills in the match for Paris.
North Lamar sophomore Sara Dunmon had a team-high 11 kills in that match to lead the Pantherettes.
In District 12-2A action, Chisum (25-6, 9-1) is scheduled to travel to face the Clarksville Lady Tigers at 4:30 p.m. Prairiland (28-8, 10-0) is set to host the Redwater Lady Dragons at 4:30 p.m.
In District 17-A, the Detroit Lady Eagles (31-3, 7-1), who defeated Avery on Tuesday, host Sulphur Bluff at 4:30 p.m. Roxton is scheduled to host Avery.
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