In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, the Claremore Lady Zebras triumphed over the Tahlequah Lady Tigers with a commanding 25-9, 25-9, 25-14 victory on Tuesday night at the Doug K. Mosier Athletic Complex. The star of the match was undoubtedly Addison Doyle, whose impressive serving set the tone for Claremore's dominant performance.
Doyle's memorable serve, which had the arc reminiscent of a rainbow, caught the attention of both players and spectators alike. Although it initially appeared to be a challenging serve, it ultimately resulted in a point when Tahlequah's Brooklyn Anderson misjudged the ball, sending it into the net. This moment encapsulated the ease with which Claremore played throughout the match, as they quickly built an early lead.
As the Class 5A No. 2 Lady Zebras improved their season record to 17-2, they showcased their prowess on the court. Claremore's serving was particularly effective, racking up a total of 20 aces, which accounted for over a quarter of their 75 points scored. Doyle and teammate Madison Godding led the charge with five aces each, while Doyle also contributed significantly with 8 kills, matching the entire scoring output of the Lady Tigers.
“I just feel like with how our team connections are with our bonding, we are just a really good, well-connected team,” Doyle remarked after the match. She attributed their success to the seamless integration of their serve, serve receive, hitting, and setting, likening it to puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly.
The match began with Grace Baughman serving an ace, setting the stage for Doyle's subsequent dominance. Following her rainbow serve, Doyle continued to put pressure on Tahlequah, leading Claremore to an 11-2 advantage. The Lady Zebras maintained their control throughout the first set, with Ava Tanner and Bella Hoisington also contributing kills to secure a decisive 25-9 win.
The second set mirrored the first as Tahlequah struggled to find their footing, committing errors on the initial points. Claremore capitalized on this momentum, with Doyle again taking center stage, mixing her offensive skills with effective serving. The set concluded with another 25-9 score, demonstrating Claremore's relentless pursuit of excellence.
In the third set, the Lady Tigers managed to find some early momentum, even taking a 4-0 lead. However, Claremore quickly regrouped, with Godding stepping up to serve. Her series of aces helped the Lady Zebras regain control, and they never looked back, ultimately winning the set 25-14. Coach Derek Jackson noted the importance of giving younger players an opportunity to gain experience, emphasizing the need for growth and development within the program.
As the match drew to a close, Ivorie Baker capped off Claremore's impressive serving performance with the team's 20th ace, solidifying the Lady Zebras' victory. This win was particularly significant for Claremore, as it came just days after suffering a loss to Class 6A No. 14 Booker T. Washington. The team’s ability to bounce back and demonstrate maturity was a positive sign for their future.
“I think it shows some maturity,” Jackson commented, reflecting on the team's performance. “We want to keep building on that.” With this victory, Claremore continues to establish itself as a formidable contender in the volleyball landscape.
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