Amarillo High defeats Frenship in five-set battle Tuesday night

Shawn Moran, Amarillo Globe-News
·2 min read
Amarillo HIgh's Sienna Cavalier, center, returns the ball at the match against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.
Amarillo HIgh's Sienna Cavalier, center, returns the ball at the match against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

NON-DISTRICT

AMARILLO HIGH 3, FRENSHIP 2

What this game means: The Lady Sandies improved their overall record to 6-1 and defeated their fourth Class 6A program through the first week of the season. Amarillo High entered the game ranked as the No. 8 Class 5A program in the state and strengthened its case with an impressive win.

Amarillo High's Kaylie Ledbetter returns the ball during the match against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.
Amarillo High's Kaylie Ledbetter returns the ball during the match against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.

Tuesday's highlights: It was a back-and-forth battle between two teams. Frenship closed out the first set by scoring 13 of the last 20 points and prevailing 25-23 in a performance that energized its side of the gym. The Lady Sandies responded with a strong second set that they controlled from the first serve for a 25-17 win. The Tigers answered back with a 25-19 third set victory before an intense 25-23 fourth set win by Amarillo High to set up the pivotal fifth set. Lady Sandie coach Mike Moffitt’s crew showed resolve and secured a hard-fought 15-10 triumph to close things out.

Tuesday's stars: Amarillo High senior setter and Amarillo Globe-News’ Preseason Player of the Year Jo Moffitt lived up to her billing by captaining the squad to a great win before a tournament in Granbury this weekend. Moffitt ended the night with 34 assists, 12 digs, four aces and two blocks — making her presence felt all over the court. Sophomore outside hitter Sienna Cavalier led the team with 11 kills and 17 digs. Junior middle blocker Claire Fansler pitched in nine kills and a team-high four blocks at the net.

Amarillo High's head volleyball coach Mike Moffitt speaks to his athletes, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.
Amarillo High's head volleyball coach Mike Moffitt speaks to his athletes, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.

Amarillo High coach Mike Moffitt on his team’s performance: “I loved our mentality and defensive energy. We have seen so many 6A teams already and so many teams with more size than us, so we know we have to defend.”

Moffitt on which players impressed him: “Jo was incredible tonight. She always seemed in control of the match. Our offense was really balanced but Claire Fansler had a breakout match. Her best match of her career yet. Some of her kills were monster highlights so we are excited to see that from her.”

Amarillo High's Elie Krusa, right, hits the ball against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.
Amarillo High's Elie Krusa, right, hits the ball against Frenship, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at Amarillo High School.

Moffitt on how his team builds off of hard-fought win: "We just need to settle into our defense and our bench energy sooner. We have become really comfortable in long rallies and in fifth games already so that is a great sign.”

Up next: Amarillo High heads off to compete in the Granbury tournament this weekend.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo volleyball defeats Frenship in five-set battle Tuesday night