FORT WORTH -- The women's volleyball team traveled out west to Fort Worth and easily defeated Nolan Catholic 3-0 last night. After somewhat struggling early against the Vikings about a month ago, the Friars left no doubt about who was the best team on the court last night.

In the first set, the Friars were feeding Lyric Berry early, and when she got her second kill to make it 4-0 BL, she reached the career milestone 1000 kills. That is a phenomenal accomplishment for the senior and isn't an easy one to reach. After the much-deserved celebration, the Friars focused back and up on their opponent. With great team hitting all-around, the Friars took the first set 25-16. Berry and Ashlyn Zilliken each had three first-set kills

The black and white continued rolling in the second set, jumping out to an 11-2 advantage and even doubling up the Vikings 20-10 at one point. With Lauryn Lambert having five kills on only seven attempts in the set, the Friars rolled to a 25-14 second set win. As a team, the Friar hitters had 14 kills with only two errors, hitting an outstanding .552.

Friars let off the gas peddle in the third set, getting down quickly 5-0 and then 11-5. Bishop Lynch would need to settle down in order to get back into the set to try to keep the hopes of a sweep going. Even falling down 16-11, the ladies never quit. They would finish the set on a 14-3 run to grab the set 25-19 and complete the 3-0 sweep on the road.

District road games are never easy, no matter the opponent, and in order to win you need senior leaders and bench players to step up. Zilliken showed her senior poise in the third set, with well-timed points. She finished with eight kills. Junior Maddie Gappelberg had to step up from the bench because of the absence of Cate Hatfield and finished with a season-high nine assists. These are the types of performances that might not make headlines but are essential for a playoff run. 

The Friars needed that victory having lost three of their last four games, and will now get a much-needed week off as they do not play again until next Thursday.

Sub-Varsity:
JV1: The junior varsity defeated Nolan 2-0 last night. They are now 21-2 on the season.
JV2: The junior varsity two team plays tonight against Plano East in Plano.
Freshman: The freshman ladies lost to Nolan last night 2-0. They are now 12-6-1 on the season.

Next Up:
Bishop Lynch travels to Addison to take on Trinity Christian next Thursday at 6:00 PM. The Friars defeated the Trojans on 9/27 and you can read the recap here.

Around TAPPS this week:
Tuesday:
Prestonwood defeated Nolan 3-0
John Paul II defeated Ursuline 3-0

Thursday:
Prestonwood defeated John Paul II 3-0
Ursuline defeated TCA 3-2

District Standings:
1) Prestonwood Academy: 31-1, 8-0
2) Parish Episcopal: 12-4-1, 5-3
3) Bishop Lynch: 26-10, 5-3
4) Ursuline Academy: 14-11-1, 5-4
5) John Paul II: 22-10, 3-6
6) Trinity Christian Academy: 10-18, 3-6
7) Nolan Catholic: 18-15, 1-8

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