By Ashley Lewis
Munford setter Jodie Duncan races for a set during the match against Arlington at Regionals in the Bartlett Gymnasium.
BARTLETT — The Munford Lady Cougars opened Region 7-3A Tournament in the Bartlett Gymnasium against the Arlington Lady Tigers.
The Lady Cougars struggled early Oct. 16 in the first set before coming on late with big plays from Sami Jo Schulz and Cecily Gable. Despite their efforts the Lady Cougars lost the opening set 27-29.
But the next three sets would belong to Munford winning 25-10, 25-17 and 25-20 to advance to the Regional title game against the Bartlett Lady Panthers. The win against Arlington also guaranteed the Lady Cougars a spot in Sub-State for the sixth straight year.
The Lady Cougars, champions of District 13-3A, were unable to get past the Lady Panthers who entered Regionals winners of District 14-3A. Bartlett won in four sets 25-23, 25-16 ,18-25, and 25-21.
Bartlett earned a spot in the Regional title game against Munford beating the Brighton Lady Cardinals.
Three Lady Cougars left Bartlett with All-Region honors, Schulz, Gable and Lauren Zvolanek. The next stop for Munford was a Thursday trip to Houston for a berth in the Class 3A State Tournament.
The Lady Cougars were defeated by the Region 8-3A champions in three sets 25-12, 25-12 and 25-21. The Lady Mustangs earned their second consecutive trip to State which will be played this week in Murfreesboro.
