VOLLEYBALL: Lady War Eagles sweep Conroe 3-0, set new records

OAK RIDGE, Texas -- The Oak Ridge Lady War Eagles started their second round of district matches this week by sweeping Conroe 25-17, 25-17, 25-19 and bringing their district record to 6-2.

Understanding the high-caliber competition within the district, Head Coach Tommie Sledge said sweeping Conroe was a big accomplishment for her team.

“I was so impressed the first time we played Conroe, and they did have a fire, and they didn’t let down at all,” Sledge said. “We’ve always known we’ve been in a tough district, but from all of my years being the head coach here at Oak Ridge, I believe this year everybody has fire, and everybody wants to win even though maybe some of the records don’t show it. I feel like everybody’s getting better and that the second round is going to be very difficult.”

Oak Ridge’s Brooke Clark and Raigen Cianciulli both broke personal career records with Clark having over 1,000 kills and Cianciulli with over 1,500 digs. Sledge said sophomore setter, Carly Graham, will soon meet career goals in assists.

“It’s actually amazing, and I feel like these girls have pushed themselves to get to that level because where they’re reaching it, for Brooke in the second part of district as a junior, is just phenomenal,” Sledge said. “It’s very exciting, and the same thing with Raigen, and I feel like we’re still on the same track with Carly in assists. She will be reaching milestones before time because of how hard they work.”

Sledge said the way the girls communicate on the court has been a major factor in this season’s success, especially as they welcomed two new middle blockers to their team.

“The way this team embraces them and is such a strong team has caused no one to miss a beat. This season I really expected us to struggle a little bit more and not be so just lights out, and the good things that we did at the beginning of the year even showed me how much heart and passion this team has.”

Oak Ridge will play their second round of district matches at Atascocita Tuesday, October 13, at 5:30 p.m.