On Friday Oct. 2, the Lady Scots traveled to J.J. Pearce High School to take on the then district-undefeated Mustangs in a match that would determine the district leader. Student fans followed them, outnumbering the Pearce students present and exchanging spirited chants with them throughout the match. The Mustangs startlingly took the first set by a close 4 point margin, 25-21. The Lady Scots, un-phased, went on a 9-2 run midway through the second set, giving them a 19-9 lead that was heavily contributed to by multiple scores from several of he girls. The Mustangs made a minor comeback and brought the score to 24-18 before the Lady Scots attacked and took the set-winning point off of a vicious spike from junior Falyn Reaugh, setting a precedent for the rest of the night that the Lady Scots would not take “no” for an answer.

The Lady Scots’ momentum continued into the third set, one that was characterized by hair-raising rallies and trick shots, most notably Jordan Westendorff’s over the back bump that somehow got past the Mustangs’ defense, giving Highland Park an 8-5 lead. The Lady Scots were able to develop an 8 point lead before it was cut in half by the Mustangs, 24-20. Another score by Westendorff secured the third set and gave Highland Park their first lead of the match, 2-1. After establishing an overall lead, the Lady Scots seemed much more relaxed than they had been during the first 3 sets, smiling and doing a little dancing with each other to the music played between the third and fourth set. The fun and games came to a close however when the fourth set began however as it could possibly determine the overall outcome of the match if HP won it. The Lady Scots were the first to score and the Mustangs matched them point for hard won point. 14-14. 15-15. 17-17. Peyton Eisnaugle’s passionate play and vital scoring was paramount in the Lady Scots’ race to 25 as she kept them just a hair ahead of the Mustangs until Highland Park reached the 20 point mark and the set started to lean in their direction as they ran up a 24-21 lead. Highland Park students held up their pointer fingers to symbolize the one more point needed for the Lady Scots to become the recognized district leaders.

The tension in the gym could have been cut with safety scissors as the Scotties got into position to deliver the final blow to their opponents. A stuffed block by junior Falyn Reaugh , who had already had a great performance that night, sealed the deal for the Lady Scots as the ball plummeted to the gym floor on the Mustangs’ side of the net. The junior varsity team rushed the court, cheering and celebrating a clutch victory against Highland Park’s sworn rivals. 25-21, Lady Scots.

The Lady Scots’ next game is against Mesquite Horn in the competition gym at 5:30 PM on Friday the 9th before the football game. Come out and cheer on the Lady Scots in their race to the #1 spot in the nation!