Leyton Finishes Runner-Up in MAC Tournament

Leyton's Lady Warrior Volleyball team entered the MAC Tournament on Saturday on a roll, winners of seven of their last eight matches, and playing their best volleyball of the season.

They would need to execute at their highest level against the number 2 seed Potter-Dix Coyotes and number 1 seed Bayard Tigers to succeed in the tournament, and by all accounts, the Lady Warriors delivered.

In their first match, they matched up with Creek Valley and had little difficulty against the Lady Storm, taking the straight-set victory 25-to-18 and 25-to-16. That set up the semi-final round meeting with Potter-Dix, who had defeated Minatare 25-to-21 and 25-to-11.

After dropping a hard fought first set 24-to-26, the Lady Warriors battled back in the second set and came from behind at the end to steal a 26-to-24 victory away from the Lady Coyotes. Leyton battled hard against Potter-Dix in the third set, and were able to get a lead and hang on, taking the third and decisive set 25-to-20, and earning a spot in the championship match. Potter-Dix moved to the loser bracket and a third place match against Garden County.

Leyton had faced Bayard in September and lost a close match two sets to one, but the powerhouse Lady Tiger team, with only one loss against Gordon-Rushville at the end of September, was fired up and ready to play. Although the Leyton girls stayed close, they were unable to get a lead at the end of the sets, and fell 2-to-0, 25-to-19 and 25-to-18.

Potter-Dix had beaten Garden County in a very close match last week, and had a battle with the Lady Eagles before finally taking the first set in extra points, 27-to-25. Garden County fired back in the second set, battling hard and pulling out a 25-to-23 win. The third set was another battle the whole way, but the Lady Eagles were able to get a lead and hang on for a 25-to-23 win. Garden County took third place while Potter-Dix settled for fourth.

Leyton was scheduled for their final regular season match up, a home contest against South Platte on Tuesday while the Lady Coyotes were on the road Tuesday for a triangular with Hyannis and Creek Valley.