Belton Middle School delivered an unforgettable performance against River Valley, proving that heart and hustle can stand toe-to-toe with experience. From the opening whistle, Belton came out swinging fearless, focused, and full of energy. Belton matched River Valley’s intensity and refused to back down. Every possession was a battle, every point hard-earned. The team played with incredible unity, diving for loose balls, locking down on defense, and showing a level of grit that had fans on their feet. The crowd was electric, roaring with every shot and defensive stand. Chants of “Let’s go Belton!” echoed throughout the gym, fueling the team with every play. Though the scoreboard ultimately favored River Valley, Belton walked away with something far greater: respect. Coaches, parents, and even opposing fans were blown away by the determination and fight these young athletes showed. It was a true showcase of what Belton stands for passion, pride, and perseverance. With a performance like this, one thing is clear: Belton Middle School is a team on the rise, and this is only the beginning. 8A: The Belton Middle School Tigers 8A volleyball team may not have walked away with the win against River Valley, but they certainly left the court with pride after one of their most intense and competitive matches of the season. Facing one of their toughest opponents yet, the Tigers showed grit, growth, and determination from the first serve to the final point. Although River Valley took the match, spectators and coaches alike were impressed with how far the Tigers have come in just one year. Many spectators mentioned that the team has improved tremendously. They were aggressive, strategic, and played like a team. Ynissa Wightman delivered a standout performance with explosive attacks and powerful hits that had the crowd on their feet. Her presence at the net made a big difference and gave the Tigers key momentum throughout the game. Ava Davies also played a critical role, using her strong serving skills to disrupt River Valley’s rhythm and keep Belton in the game. Her serves helped fuel multiple scoring runs that gave the Tigers a fighting chance. Grace Thomas contributed on both sides of the court with three successful serves and an impressive three blocks that denied River Valley crucial points. Her net play and focus were vital in turning defense into offense. Raelynn Saldana showed her versatility by playing all around the court, hustling on every play, and assisting on a block that energized the team and brought the bench to life. Despite the loss, the energy, teamwork, and visible improvement from the Tigers are what made this game a win in spirit. If this level of play continues, there’s no doubt the 8A Tigers will be a team to watch for the rest of the season. Go Tigers! 8B: 8th Grade B Volleyball Team Battles Hard Against River Valley On Thursday evening, the 8th Grade B Team took on River Valley Middle School in a competitive volleyball matchup. Although our team came up short, dropping both sets, the players showed determination and fight from start to finish. Throughout the game, the team demonstrated resilience, strong teamwork, and a never-give-up attitude. Standout performances came from Jaleigh Burr, who delivered excellent passes to keep plays alive; Ayani Ortiz, who brought energy and hustle across every part of the court; and Analiza Zuniga, who set up her teammates effectively with smart, consistent ball placement. While the match did not end in a victory, it was an important opportunity for growth and experience. The coaching staff is proud of the effort the players gave on the court and looks forward to seeing their continued improvement as the season progresses. 7A: The Belton Middle School Tigers played a tough match last night, facing a strong opponent. The Tigers fought hard but lost the first set 25-21 and the second set 25-19. Despite the loss, the team showed great effort on the court. Sophie Hughes stood out as a true leader during the game. She demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and kept a positive attitude throughout the match, inspiring her teammates. Sophie contributed 10 kills and served the ball with precision, making several impressive plays. Although the Tigers did not come away with a win this time, their effort and spirit were clear. The future looks bright for this Belton Middle School volleyball team. Keep cheering for the Tigers as they continue to grow and improve! 7B: Belton Middle School’s 7B volleyball team delivered an incredible performance in their match against the experienced River Valley squad, showing skill, heart, and determination that had the entire crowd on their feet. They came out firing in the first set, taking control early and finishing strong to secure the win. The second and third sets were intense, going point for point in a nail-biting back-and-forth battle. Belton held their ground against tough serves and smart plays from River Valley, but a few missed serves in the final moments made the difference. Still, the 7B team proved they could compete with anyone, pushing one of the top teams to the limit. Leading the charge was Rooklyn Whitmaire, who lit up the court with a streak of aces that left River Valley scrambling. Right behind her was Jah’mani Johnson, who followed up with powerful, consistent serving that kept Belton in control during key stretches. On the defensive end, Libero Sutton Wagner was a wall in the back row, digging out tough serves and making some jaw-dropping saves that kept rallies alive. The crowd roared with every point, chanting and cheering for a team that played with heart and left it all on the court. Belton’s 7B may not have walked away with the match win, but they showed the kind of grit and talent that promises a bright future.