Belton Middle School took on Midway in an exciting night of volleyball that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Lady Tigers came ready to play, showing heart, teamwork, and determination across every court. The 7A team set the tone early, battling through long volleys and powerful serves to come out victorious. Their communication and hustle made the difference as they controlled the pace of the game and closed out the match with confidence and energy that had the gym roaring. Meanwhile, 7B and 8B gave Midway a run for their money, pushing both matches into thrilling third sets. Each team showed grit and resilience, refusing to back down no matter how tough the rallies got. From quick digs to clutch serves, these players proved that the Lady Tigers’ depth runs strong across every lineup. The 8A team capped off the night with an intense back-and-forth showdown that went point for point. Every serve, block, and pass mattered as the Lady Tigers and Midway traded momentum in a match that felt like a championship preview. Though the scoreboard was tight, 8A’s teamwork and spirit stood out as they fought for every single point. From start to finish, Belton Middle School’s Lady Tigers displayed pride, perseverance, and the true heart of champions, showing once again that the future of Belton volleyball is bright. 8A: The Belton Middle School 8A Volleyball Team took on a tough Midway squad this week and delivered one of their most competitive performances of the season. Although the Lady Tigers came up just short, falling in two incredibly close sets (including a nail-biting 26-24 finish in the second) they showed just how far they have come since last year’s matchup. This game was a huge improvement from last season’s result, with the team displaying stronger communication, smarter play, and a renewed sense of confidence on the court. Leading the charge was Ynissa Wightman, who played both front and back row with skill and intensity. She racked up five serves (including one ace), three powerful kills, and four tips that kept the Midway defense guessing. Ynissa’s dominance at the net and ability to contribute in all areas made her a key player throughout the match. Madison Lewis also stepped up in a big way, delivering four serves and an assist, but perhaps her biggest impact was her willingness to take on the setter role when her team needed her most. Madison’s team-first mentality and adaptability helped keep Belton’s offense running smoothly under pressure. Though the final score did not swing in Belton’s favor, the effort, growth, and heart shown by the 8A squad were undeniable. Every player contributed to the fight, and their improvement since last year is a clear sign of the hard work they’ve put in. 8B: The Belton Middle School 8B Volleyball Team put on an incredible show against Midway this week, showcasing their growth, grit, and teamwork. The Lady Tigers came out strong, taking the first set with confidence and energy. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the game went to three sets, with Belton narrowly falling in the final stretch. Despite the tough loss, the team displayed impressive effort and talent from start to finish. One of the night’s standout players was Annaliza Zuniga, who had a commanding presence on the court. Playing both as a front-row hitter and a setter, Annaliza delivered an outstanding 14 serves (five of them aces) along with three blocks, eight assists, and five well-placed tips. Her versatility and smart play made her a key contributor in both offense and defense. Jalynne Prado also brought high energy and strength to the front row, dominating the net with three blocks and adding four aces out of her nine serves. She chipped in with three assists and a tip, consistently challenging Midway's defense with her aggressive play and presence at the net. All-around athlete Kyleigh Mouser played both front and back row, showing her versatility with six serves (including one ace), two diving plays, two blocks, four assists, and two tips. Kyleigh’s hustle and awareness on the court kept several plays alive and helped her team gain key points throughout the match. In the libero position, Kaitlyn Copeland was steady and dependable on defense. She notched eight strong serves with two aces and added a diving play that kept the rally alive during a critical moment in the match. Her leadership and communication in the back row helped anchor the team’s serve receive and defensive strategy. Brynlie Burr stepped up with six serves, three of them aces, and contributed three assists, helping set the pace during fast rallies. Her sharp serving helped drive the team’s offensive rhythm and gave Belton a crucial edge in the opening set. While the match ended in a narrow third-set loss, the Lady Tigers left it all on the court. They communicate well, work hard, play as a team, and put their team first in all that they do. Their chemistry, hustle, and determination made it a match to remember. 7A: What a week for the Lady Tiger Volleyball team! In a fantastic display of skill and grit, our 7A team defeated Midway in two dominant sets, winning 25-17 and 25-15. This was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a testament to the team's ability to rise to the occasion and conquer adversity, proving that nothing can rattle this team. Gwyneth Taylor showed her versatility and athleticism by filling the crucial role of libero for the night. She was everywhere on the court, delivering multiple incredible digs, dives, and game-saving plays. Gwyneth also kept the pressure on Midway with her serves and excellent back-row coverage. Sophie Hughes was an offensive powerhouse, racking up an impressive 10 kills! Her powerful hitting and smart plays were a constant advantage. Sophie also had aggressive serves that often put Midway's defense on the ropes, helping close the sets out. Brooklyn Beierman was the picture of grit and toughness. She contributed a whopping 10 successful serves that kept the Lady Tigers in control of the pace. Up at the net, Brooklyn was a wall, putting up multiple blocks that shut down Midway's attack and protected our side of the court. This big win gives the team a fantastic boost of momentum as they prepare for the District Tournament next weekend. They've shown they can overcome challenges and play at a high level when it matters most. 7B: The Belton Middle School 7B Lady Tigers faced off against Midway in a thrilling match that went all the way to a third set, showcasing the team’s determination, grit, and unity on the court. From the first serve to the final point, the Lady Tigers displayed heart and hustle, keeping the energy high and the competition fierce. Throughout the game, Allison McCoy played a key role in keeping the offense running smoothly. Her sharp passing and timely assists allowed the team to stay aggressive and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Sutton Wagner and Elliana Kelley brought intensity to the service line, delivering powerful serves that put pressure on Midway’s defense and sparked several scoring runs that lifted the team’s momentum. In the back row, Rooklyn Whitmire anchored the defense with excellent focus and reaction. Her strong serves helped keep Belton competitive, and her impressive dive late in the match showed her commitment to keeping every play alive. That moment of hustle energized her teammates and the crowd, symbolizing the Lady Tigers’ never-quit attitude. After splitting the first two sets, the game came down to a decisive third, where both teams fought point for point. Despite the pressure, the Lady Tigers stayed composed, communicating effectively and playing with true Belton pride. Though the match was hard-fought on both sides, the 7B team proved that they have the drive, teamwork, and competitive spirit to challenge any opponent. Each player’s contribution reflected the growing strength and promise of this talented group, leaving no doubt that the Lady Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.