Princeton senior Camila Beltran makes a pass in serve-receiver as junior Kinlee Ratliff, left, and senior Sam Phillips, right, back up the play during a match in the Allen Texas Open. Photo by David Wolman / C&S Media
By Art Stricklin
CADDO MILLS – Princeton’s volleyball continued to gain experience against tough competition Tuesday, losing to powerful Caddo Mills, 25-7, 25-12, 25-17 in non-district action. But coach Yolanda Beasley said it will only make her team stronger.
“We want to get ready for district play and we changed our tournament schedule to play some tougher teams and larger 6A and 5A schools and this will only make us stronger,” she said..
Princeton dropped to 4-10, while Caddo Mills improved to 18-3.
The Lady Panthers have one more tournament this weekend and then a home game against Community before beginning District 6-6A play on September 11.
Princeton fell behind early in the first set and failed to rally, even after several timeouts.
In the second set, the Lady Panthers came out inspired and took their first and only lead of the contest, 4-3 early in the set.
“I think the girls were just made mad and wanted to try and do better,” Beasley said. “They came out there hustling.”
Caddo Mills came back to take the lead, but Princeton battled to cut the deficit to 11-8. The Lady Foxes went on a 14-4 run to close out the second set, but the third set was even closer.
After trailing 15-9, Princeton went on a run of its own, scoring four straights points to cut the lead to 15-13 and forcing Caddo Mills into a timeout of their own.
“I think our girls really got into the flow of the game a little more and played with more passion,” said Beasley.
After trailing 20-14, Princeton came back with one last rally, scoring three straight, before Caddo Mills closed out the victory with five straight points.
Sophomore Alexis Osaghae and Kinlee Ratliff had stellar efforts in the loss.
“We have to hope to get a few more people healthy, watch film, learn from this and get ready for district,” Beasley added.
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