Now that a grueling month of August is past them, the Bishop Lynch Lady Friars are reaping the rewards, as evident in their 3-0 start in district play, and most recently, Thursday's total domination of rival Ursuline Academy.
Bishop Lynch (21-8 overall, 3-0 district) swept Ursuline last night, 3-0, finishing off the Bears easily by scores of 25-14, 25-14 and 25-15, before a huge crowd and a feisty student section.
The Lady Friars — ranked No. 15 in Lone Star Volleyball's latest statewide rankings (public and private) — got key contributions from several members, most notably Boston College commit Catherine Balido (11 kills, four blocks) and Florida State commit Francesca Goncalves (12 kills, eight digs).
Tennessee commit Callie Williams set up a match-best 22 assists to go with a pair of service aces and seven digs. Melanie Heigele chipped in 12 assists, Danielle Nevitt added seven digs and an ace and Madi Tyus added eight digs.
Just two nights before the big win against Ursuline, the Lady Friars hit the road to face Trinity Christian-Addison, returning home with another sweep, winning by scores of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-17.
Tyus led the attack with 10 kills while Goncalves, Balido and Hannah Puddy each smashed nine kills. Williams set up 21 assists and Heigele added 14 to go with a pair of aces. Goncalves also tallied two service aces. On the defensive side, Heigele and Goncalves each notched 13 digs, with Williams adding 12 more.
The Lady Friars will have just one match in the next 11 days, traveling to Plano to take on John Paul II on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
— Cliff Gibson, Sports Information Director