One of the many challenges for a head coach is creating a schedule each season. The schedule needs to include some confidence boosting wins but at the same time prepare your team for what they will face in district play and beyond. Coming off a successful tournament championship in Mt Vernon, the Mount Pleasant Lady Tigers experienced their toughest week in preparation for district to begin.

On Friday, the Paris Wildcats came to town looking to end the Lady Tigers’ five-game winning streak. In a hard fought five set match, Paris barely came out on top as the Lady Tigers battled adversity but eventually fell. Mount Pleasant jumped out on top first with a 25-17 set one win before falling in set two 21-25. The Lady Tigers would regroup in set three with a 25-18 victory but couldn’t seal the deal as Paris rallied to take set four 15-25. The final set was back and forth with Paris pulling out the win 13-15.

“Paris was a scrappy team that did a solid job digging our hits,” said head coach Kristy Ciuba. “Overall, we beat ourselves, but the positives are we are continuing to fight, and we did a much better job of covering tips and our own hitters.” Jordan Andrade led the Lady Tigers with 27 assists and Paris Beard finished with 8 kills and 10 digs.

On Tuesday, the Lady Tigers traveled to Pleasant Grove, last year’s District 15-4A champion, for their final pre-district tune-up. Even though the outcome wasn’t what Mount Pleasant wanted, there were still many positives and growth that was gained from the match. Coach Ciuba was very pleased with the girls’ effort and toughness. “This was a very good game to play right before district. Pleasant Grove was very aggressive and hit us more than most teams, highlighting both our defensive strengths and weaknesses, ” said Ciuba.

Pleasant Grove won the first set 19-25 before Mount Pleasant was able to answer in the second set 25-22. However, the final two sets would belong to the home team with the Lady Hawks finishing it out 22-25 and 16-25. Aziyah Farrier finished with 16 kills and 7 blocks, Paris Beard added 7 kills and 24 digs, and Jordan Andrade dished out 36 assists. Ciuba continued praising the efforts of her team. “Paris [Beard] has really stepped it up defensively, making saves that are huge hustle and momentum changing plays. Aziyah [Farrier] has also stepped up showing her full potential at the net both swinging and blocking. This was a perfect game to end the pre-district schedule with.”

The Lady Tigers (10-15) will begin district play this Friday as they will host Pine Tree (16-12) at 4:30 PM at Willie Williams Gym. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mpisd.net/athletic-tickets.

By Drew Barkley