Action was stopped momentarily at the Mineola vs. Chapel Hill volleyball game last Friday to recognize Mineola senior Mylee Fischer. Fischer had just executed her 100th block with the Lady Jackets. The middle blocker has been the energy in the Lady Jacket front line all season. 

The match against the Lady Red Devils provided three excellent examples of Fischer’s contributions to the team. In game one she accounted for two of the first three scores with a well-planned push shot and an emphatic block. In game two she sent a kill to exactly the open spot between the front and back lines of the Red Devil defense. Late in game two she teamed with Jocelyn Whitehead for a combined block of a Chapel Hill over-pass.     

Beyond the scoring, Fischer’s anticipation at the net often allows her to make a point-altering block at just the right instant. Her reaction is usually a split-second ahead of her opponent.

The Lady Jackets demonstrated that anticipation against Chapel Hill, scoring a 25-18, 25-12, 25-7 match win. Mineola remains undefeated in district play. 

Most notable about their latest match was Mineola’s ability to reduce their unforced errors. In game one they committed 11 errors, in game two 8 and in game three 4. It is this disciplined play which has kept the Lady Jackets in matches this fall. 

Complimentary to that discipline has been the continued development of individual skill. Of particular note has been the rock-steady performance of the back line – especially Paris Spigner, Kloey Garcia and Macy Fischer -- the marked offensive striking improvement of Gracie Finley, the artful service abilities of Shylah Kratzmeyer and the relentless energy and skill of Olivia Hughes. 

Whether it is the striking ability of Jocelyn Whitehead or the effort of the Jackson sisters, all Lady Jackets have stepped forward and continue to make contributions. Entering the second round of district play will require all that the Lady Jackets have learned and more.