The Lady Bear Volleyball team has high hopes to be in the top three teams in the district and with their fifth straight win against Silsbee Friday night, they are on the right track. With practice every day and the hard work each girl is putting in, they believe they are improving enough to make their goal a reality.

According to senior setter Hallie Maddox, the team works hard and takes no games off. They try 100 percent, no matter what team they are playing, and they are always ready.

“Everyone is putting in the work but it is only going to be tough, consistent practices and games that bring out the best of our abilities,” senior defensive specialist Savannah Crabtree said. “So far, the team is playing well but there is a lot of room for improvement.”

Maddox said that winning and going far in the playoffs would be awesome, but she wants the team to have fun while they are accomplishing their goals.

However, making playoffs means putting in a lot of work, including having games twice a week and  practice every single day after school.

The team also faces various challenges throughout the season. It is not just a physical game they play; there are mental aspects of the game as well. Juggling practice, games, and extracurriculars along with personal life is a struggle for some of the girls.

“The toughest part of being a volleyball player is the mental aspect that comes with the sport,” Crabtree said. “It’s hard to block out the stands and stay out of your head, which I feel hinders my performance.”

The Lady Bears have seen much success over the course of the season, such as winning the YMBL Tournament, but they also have their eyes on the prize at the end of district play. This week, that means getting a win over the Bridge City Lady Cardinals. The Lady Bears lost a tough one to Bridge City when they played them at home last month. This Friday, the Lady Bears will travel to Bridge City and try to redeem themselves.

“Friday will be a huge game for us,” Crabtree said. “All of us want to prove that we are the better team.”