The stands shook with energy as Belton Middle School faced off against crosstown rival North Belton in a night of volleyball that proved anything but easy for the Broncos. The Lady Tigers had great plans to show grit, teamwork, and fearless play into statement wins. The 7A and 7B squads came out firing on all cylinders, pushing the tempo from the first serve. Every rally had the Broncos scrambling, and Belton’s relentless serving runs and smart ball placement made the difference. By the end of the night, North was left searching for answers as Belton sent them out to pasture, sealing decisive victories and showing that Tiger pride is built on discipline and determination. If the younger squads set the tone, the 8A team carried the drama into the spotlight. In a showdown that went the distance, Belton’s athletes dug deep, matching North swing for swing, block for block. The battle pushed into a thrilling third set, where energy surged from the bench to the bleachers. Though the scoreboard favored North by the final whistle, Belton’s fight proved they are a force to be reckoned with, never backing down, no matter the opponent. Belton Middle School did not just play volleyball, they made a statement: every match, every point, every set is a chance to roar. 8A: The 8A Belton Middle School Tigers gave fans a match to remember this week in an epic showdown against cross-town rivals North Belton. In a game packed with heart-pounding rallies, powerful serves, and edge-of-your-seat moments, the Tigers fell just short in the third and final set, losing by only three points. Despite the narrow loss, the team displayed tremendous grit, skill, and competitive spirit that made the gym roar with pride. The match went the distance with both teams splitting the first two sets and battling hard into a third. Every point felt like a tug-of-war, with momentum swinging back and forth as players left everything on the court. Emily Potts led the Tigers with an outstanding eleven successful serves, keeping pressure on North Belton and helping her team stay in the fight. She showed calm under pressure and delivered consistently when it mattered most. Right behind her was Soley Torres, who had nine successful serves, bringing energy and focus every time she stepped behind the line. Her accuracy and rhythm helped drive several key scoring runs. Ava Baggett added her own serving strength with seven successful serves, showing poise and timing that helped keep the Tigers competitive throughout all three sets. Madison Lewis contributed six strong serves, adding depth to Belton's rotation and showing solid fundamentals and focus throughout the match. On the defensive end, Grace Thomas made her presence known at the net with three jaw-dropping, back-to-back blocks that brought the crowd to its feet. Her timing and dominance in the front row were unmatched, giving the Tigers a major spark during critical moments in the third set. Though the Tigers came up just short in the end, losing the third set by only three points, the fight, teamwork, and resilience they showed were a testament to their hard work and heart. Coaches and fans alike were proud of the effort, and this match will no doubt fuel the Tigers as they continue their season. With performances like these, the future looks bright for Belton Middle School volleyball. 8B: The 8B Belton Middle School Tigers may not have come away with a win against North Belton this week, but they walked off the court with their heads held high after an inspiring performance filled with effort, teamwork, and noticeable improvement. From the first serve to the final whistle, the Tigers showed how far they’ve come—especially in their transitions on the court, moving more confidently and communicating better as a unit. Their ability to cover the court and adjust during fast-paced rallies made a big difference and kept them in every set. Leading the charge was Ayani Ortiz, who played all over the court, stepping up wherever her team needed her. With five successful serves and nonstop hustle, Ayani showed just how valuable she is to the team’s success, setting the tone with her versatility and determination. Kayleigh Sullivan added two successful serves of her own and made a standout dive to save a crucial point during a tight rally. Her hustle plays and commitment to every ball did not go unnoticed. Even more impressive was her positive energy, which kept the team motivated and uplifted during tough moments. Her enthusiasm is truly contagious and helps bring the team together both on and off the court. While the Tigers didn’t take the win this time, their growth and fight were impossible to miss. With continued hard work and heart like this, the 8B team is sure to keep making strides and turning heads this season. Keep it up, Tigers! 7A: 7A In an exciting match that showcased skill and teamwork, the 7A volleyball team secured a hard-fought victory with set scores of 25-22 and 25-20. The team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout both sets, ultimately proving too strong for their opponents. Avery Mills was a key contributor to the team's success, delivering an impressive 20 successful serves over the net. Avery’s precise sets and powerful hits consistently pressured the opposing defense, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Another standout performance came from Sophie Hughes, who not only contributed several crucial kills but also showed exceptional leadership and communication on the court. Sophie's ability to rally the team and maintain focus was instrumental in guiding the team to victory. Additionally, Sophie added to the team's momentum with several successful serves that helped keep the opposition on their toes. Together, Avery and Sophie’s efforts exemplify the skill, teamwork, and leadership. The entire team played hard, showing great energy and determination on every point. Their collective effort and commitment were key to securing this well-deserved victory. With this strong performance, the team looks forward to building on their success in upcoming matches. 7B: The 7B squad left not a crumb on the court. They wiped the floor with North in the opening set, then went toe-to-toe in a tight second set ultimately forcing the Broncos into crucial mistakes that sealed Belton’s victory. A’rianna Baker was unstoppable from the service line, pounding serve after serve that North simply could not break. Rayne Meyer shined as the heart of the team, making strategic passes and smart pushes that kept the Tigers in control. Elliana Kelley proved her determination by guarding the net with authority, using her reach to score points and keep the ball off Belton’s side. Together, the trio’s relentless play powered the Tigers to a statement win.