FROM STAFF REPORTS

After rallying from a game one loss to tie the match at 1-1, Montevallo High School volleyball coach Tena Niven decided it was time to change strategies in order to maximize the front row play of senior hitter Mallory Anderson.

The plan paid off, as the switch in the Bulldogs’ rotation allowed setter Kathryn Ray to go to Anderson repeatedly in a 15-10 deciding third set. The Bulldogs edged Altamont 22-25, 25-19, 15-10 in the match.

Montevallo had to weather an early storm in the final game, falling behind 6-4 before Anderson was able to get to the front row.  From that point forward, Anderson pounded out eight kills to nail down the victory and improve the Bulldogs’ record to 17-1.

Anderson finished the match with 18 kills and 23 digs, while Ray dished out 21 assists and added nine digs.  Senior middle hitter Maryann Lee came up huge in game two with consecutive solo blocks to key a Montevallo rally that put the game away, sending the match to the deciding game.

The Bulldogs got 10 kills, two service aces and 17 digs from Anderson to coast to a 25-19, 25-14 sweep over host Indian Springs in the opening match.

Ray posted 16 assists and two service aces, while Sarah Hyde added four kills, two service aces  and a pair of blocks for Montevallo.

Ambria Hardy led Indian Springs with six kills in the match. Hardy also recorded three blocks, two service aces, three digs and one assist.

Alex Smith finished with three kills, six digs, one service ace and eight assists.

Indian Springs fell to Altamont 7-25, 18-25.

Ambria Hardy led Indian Springs with five kills, three digs and one block. Lauren Plouff finished with five assists in the match.