The Nocona Lady Indians played in their first tournament last week in the Advantage Sports Complex Tournament in Carrollton.
Playing mostly teams from a higher classification, the Lady Indians received some early season challenges.
In pool play, Nocona first played 6A Plano West’s junior varsity team. The tournament did not start out well as the Lady Indians lost 25-18 and 25-15.
Statistical leaders were Averee Kleinhans with eight kills, Ella Nunneley with five kills and Trystin Fenoglio with 14 assists.
The second game in pool play was against 4A Sanger. The game was much more competitive as the scores reflected, but Nocona could not come through with a win, losing 25-21 and 25-19.
Statistical leaders saw Kleinhans lead the team with 11 kills and four digs while Fenoglio led the team with 20 assists.
Not wanting to leave pool play empty-handed, the Lady Indians played 4A Caddo Mills from East Texas. This time is was Nocona who was able to put the Lady Foxes away in straight sets, winning 25-17 and 25-20.
Statistical leaders included Nunneley leading the way with nine kills, Fenoglio with 20 assists, Kleinhans with six kills and five digs, while Laci Stone and Jessica Dingler each had four kills.
After going 1-2 in pool play, the Lady Indians advanced to the silver bracket on Saturday. First up was 6A Plano’s JV team. They proved too much for Nocona as it lost 25-20 and 25-17.
Statistical leaders included Fenoglio with 16 assists, Kleinhans with 11 digs and six kills, Nunneley with five kills and three aces.
Needing a win to continue towards the consolation side of the bracket, Commerce stood in the way. After losing a close first set that slipped away 25-22, the Lady Indians were able to grit their teeth and win the second set 25-22 to force a third set.
The final set could have bounced either team’s way, but it went the way of the Lady Tigers 25-23.
Statistical leaders were Kleinhans with 12 kills and 12 digs, Nunneley with six kills and two blocks, Laci Stone with five kills and 15 digs, Taylor Newmon with four kills and Fenoglio with 27 assists and eight digs.
Nocona’s next tournament is at Graham on Aug. 16-17.

To read the full story, pick up a copy of the mid-week edition of the Bowie News.