By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

The Nocona High School volleyball team was there.
The Lady Indians were standing toe to toe with Henrietta in this clash of District 3A-9 top squads, knotted up at 1-game apiece.
However, Nocona’s energy fizzled during the third set, and eventually Henrietta proved too strong to handle as the Bears claimed the district championship with a four-set victory by scores of 25-23, 21-25, 25-14, 25-8.
“We came out ready to play, and due to mistakes at crucial times, Henrietta battled through and won the first set,” Nocona head coach Tiffany Clay said.
“We played aggressively in the second set, and limited our errors,” Clay continued. The third set we didn’t play as aggressively, which allowed Henrietta to take control.”
By the fourth set, Henrietta’s front row was locked in and the Bearcats put up block after successful block.
At the end of the match, Henrietta held the gold-emblazoned championship trophy while Nocona looked on at what the Lady Indians could have shared.

(From left) Kady Hackley, Katelynn Walker and Amy O’Neal talk during last Saturday’s District 3A-9 volleyball match between Nocona and Henrietta. The Bearcats topped the Lady Indians in four games. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)