The Belton Middle School Lady Tigers hit the court with fire and focus this past weekend, delivering an impressive performance against the other three Belton teams in a display of skill, grit, and rising talent. Facing off in a competitive round-robin event, the Lady Tigers showcased a level of intensity and teamwork that set a new standard for intra-district competition. With each set, they grew stronger, demonstrating never-before-seen determination and hustle that left a lasting impression on both fans and opponents alike. Not only did the teams gain valuable experience from the high-level matchups, but they also proved they are ready to face these teams again in the future. The Lady Tigers are hungry for more, and the next time these teams meet, the competition will be fiercer than ever. 8A: The Belton Middle School 8A Lady Tigers took the court this weekend with fire in their eyes and determination in every play, competing against the three other Belton-area middle school teams. Although they walked away with one win and two hard-fought losses, the team showed tremendous growth, skill, and heart—proving that they’re not just here to compete, but to make a statement. Their opening match against North Belton was a nail-biter, stretching into three sets where the score remained tight from start to finish. The Lady Tigers fought relentlessly, matching North point for point. Raelynn Saldana was a standout in this match, delivering 9 successful serves that kept the pressure on North's defense. At the net, Grace Thomas made her presence known with 4 powerful blocks and added 5 solid serves to keep the offense flowing. Though the match ended in a narrow loss, the intensity and effort displayed showed how closely matched these teams truly are. Next, the Lady Tigers faced off against Lake Belton. While they dropped the match in two sets, the improvement compared to last year’s matchup was clear, with both sets ending in much closer scores. Ava Davies played a crucial role on defense, reading the court with maturity and showing great awareness. Her ability to hear and respond to the coach’s voice on the court helped maintain the team’s structure and focus. She contributed a block, two successful serves, and a series of key passes that kept rallies alive. Ava Baggett also stood out for her solid defensive coverage and calm leadership. Her positive attitude and steady communication lifted the team’s spirits and kept them confident despite the scoreboard. The Lady Tigers finished the day strong with a dominant win over South Belton, taking the match in two commanding sets. Their energy was unmatched, and their teamwork shined brightest. Ynissa Wightman had a breakout performance, rotating through both front and back row with ease. She tallied nine serves, including five aces, two blocks, and a powerful kill that brought the crowd to its feet. Emily Potts added another layer of dominance at the net, racking up five blocks, two assists, an ace, and five strong serves that helped set the tone for the match. Though the weekend brought a mix of wins and losses, the 8A Lady Tigers walked away with valuable experience, noticeable progress, and the hunger to keep improving. With performances like these, they’re ready to take the court again—and next time, they’ll be even stronger. 8B: On Saturday, the 8th Grade B Team competed in a tournament at Belton High School, taking on the other Belton middle schools — North, Lake, and South. It was a full day of volleyball that tested our team’s resilience, teamwork, and determination. In the opening match against North Belton Middle School, the girls battled hard through three sets, nearly pulling out the win. The team played beautifully as a unit — aggressive, supportive, and determined every step of the way. The second match, against Lake Belton Middle School, followed a similar storyline. Once again, the game went to three sets, with our athletes keeping Lake on their toes until the very end. Though the team fell short by just two points in the deciding set, their skill, composure, and positive energy shined throughout. For the final match of the day against South Belton Middle School, fatigue could have been a factor, but the team refused to let it show. They continued to fight with determination and heart, making sure they went down swinging. Top Performers Several athletes stood out during the tournament. Kyleigh Mouser led the charge with her energy and aggression, keeping her teammates focused and finishing as one of the team’s top servers. Adilynn Collins also impressed, setting up her teammates with precision, hustling after every ball, and delivering excellent serves throughout the day. Defensively, Jaleigh Burr and Brynlie Burr were outstanding, digging tough shots, covering open areas, and keeping plays alive with consistent hustle. Though the day didn’t end with a victory, it was far from wasted. The athletes displayed passion, effort, and unity in every game, proving their growth and strength as a team.The tournament was a true showcase of the team’s heart and progress. The coaching staff is proud of the way these athletes competed, supported one another, and left everything on the court. 7A: The 7th Grade A Volleyball Team had a fantastic and successful weekend tournament, finishing with an impressive 2-1 record! The day started strong with a commanding win in two sets against North Belton Middle School. While the team played an amazing game against Lake Belton Middle School, they ultimately lost in two sets; however, the level of play showed that the team has significant potential. The team quickly bounced back to secure a final victory, winning in two sets against South Belton Middle School. Several players had standout performances: Sophie Hughes excelled with consistently good sets, hits, and serves, while Avery Mills was a true leader, demonstrating excellent communication and delivering powerful hits and smart plays on the court. Gracelyn Garelick showed inspiring resilience, immediately getting back up after diving for a ball and never backing down. Our middles, Brooklyn Beierman, Addison Webb, and Chandler Depue demonstrated great improvement in their blocking and serving, stepping up when it mattered most. Overall, the entire team improved significantly, showing great effort in back-row covering, serving, hitting, and team communication. It was a weekend that highlighted the team's growth and competitive spirit! 7B: The Belton Middle School 7B Lady Tigers brought energy and determination to the court this past weekend as they faced off against the other three Belton middle school teams. With two solid wins and a close three-set battle, the team proved they’re a force to be reckoned with this season. The day started with a tough match against Lake Belton, where the Lady Tigers pushed the game to three sets. Each set was a back-and-forth fight, with neither team giving up easy points. While they ultimately fell just short, the team showed great composure under pressure and fought until the final whistle. Bouncing back with confidence, the Lady Tigers swept both South Belton and North Belton in two sets each. Their energy and teamwork were on full display as they controlled the pace and executed plays with precision. A major highlight across all three matches was the standout serving from Emma Alvarez and Rooklyn Whitmire. Both players delivered consistent, aggressive serves that kept opponents on their heels and gave Belton a strong advantage throughout the day. At the net, Elliana Kelley and Harper McKinney made their mark with smart and strategic tipping and pushes that caught defenders off guard and turned key plays into points. Their court awareness and timing were crucial to the team's offensive success. With two big wins under their belts and a competitive edge that continues to grow, the 7B Lady Tigers showed they’re not just improving—they’re ready to lead. This weekend was a clear sign of what's to come, and the team is looking ahead with confidence and momentum.