Lady Eagles struggle through district
Rusk goes 0-4 in 1st round of district play
BY LELAND ACKER

Charnell Franklin goes for the kill while Jasmine Harris (20) gets in position to help during a recent Rusk Lady Eagles' volleyball match. Rusk went 0-4 in the first round of district play. Head Coach Tiffany Cooksey said the good thing is that Rusk has another shot at these teams in round two of district play, which began last night against Center. Rusk travels to Diboll Friday for a 5 p.m. game against the Lady Jacks, before returning home on Tuesday to face Crockett. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

The Rusk Lady Eagles have struggled through the first half of district play, dropping tilts to Carthage, Crockett and Diboll. Those matches, along with the loss to Center in the district opener, drops the Lady Eagles' district record to 0-4. Rusk was defeated by Carthage in three games last Tuesday, by scores of 21-25, 9-25 and 18-25.

"Our girls played hard, but Carthage's defense kept the ball up and they attacked from all around," said Head Coach Tiffany Cooksey. "It was hard to play against Carthage because it was like we played defense the whole time."

Standouts include Jerri Hill, who had eight digs, and Charnell Franklin, who had four kills.

Rusk falls to Crockett

On Sept. 29, Rusk fell to Crockett in five games, 17-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-21, 4-15.

"We got off to a rocky start and then picked it up," Coach Cooksey said. "We didn't do too bad on our serves. We missed 11 out of 86."

Coach Cooksey said the Lady Eagles struggled in their passing game, having trouble getting the ball to the setter.

"Usually, passing is one of our strengths," she said.

Jasmine Harris shined in the Crockett game, making 24 of 26 serves.

"She served a great game with her rocket serve," Coach Cooksey said. "Although we came away with the loss, this was our best played district game of the season."

Harris and Rachel Mahaffey combined for 10 kills, while Franklin had three blocks.

"I am hopeful in getting a successful second chance against Crockett next time we meet them," Coach Cooksey said.

Diboll rolls against Rusk

The Lady Eagles fell to Diboll in four games on Sept. 25, 25-16, 11-25, 16-25, 25-27.

"We got off to a great start but couldn't keep the momentum," Coach Cooksey said.

Jennifer Bradley of Diboll served eight consecutive points against Rusk.

"I think the first few were common mistakes, but then we got frustrated and couldn't put the pieces together," Coach Cooksey said. "It led over into the third game and we again could not break a 13 point scoring streak from Tremecia Hadnot. Diboll served well and we were not attacking aggressively."

She said the last game, Rusk played well late in the game, but too late in order to get a win.

"The good thing is that we have another shot at these teams and hopefully in the second round, we can come through stronger."

Rusk will play the Lady Jacks in Diboll at 5 p.m. Friday. The Lady Eagles will then host Crockett on Tuesday, Oct. 16.