The Basic High School Wolves treated their hosts rudely Thursday evening defeating the Bulldogs 3-0 at the Hughes Middle School gym. The normally boisterous Bulldog fans had very little to cheer about until the last match of the evening. The Bulldogs began the first match with a 3-0 run led by Nikki Arquette’s serves. It was all Wolves after that as they took the lead at 5-4 and never looked back. It was apparent that the Bulldogs were facing a fundamentally sound Basic team. Their sets were accurate and their work at the net was excellent. No doubt this was one of the better teams the Bulldogs would face this year. Middle hitter Alora Bonner drew cheers from the ‘Dawg faithful with a huge kill to cut the score to 18-11 in favor of the Wolves. The Bulldogs could only manage two more points the rest of the way as the Wolves put up six straight points to reach match point. The match ended on a Basic kill. The final score Wolves 25-13 over the Bulldogs.
The second match began with each team trading side outs. The Wolves strength took over with the match even at 4-4 hitting five straight service points with remarkable set. Bonner broke the streak with another kill. Eight points later the score stood at 17-5 in favor of the visiting Wolves. Coach Ilona Robeson called time out to settle her charges. It was apparent the ‘Dawgs had just run into a Basic buzz saw. The Bulldogs could only garner four more points the rest of the way. The big hit was another kill by Bonner. The Bulldogs were on the short end of a 25-9 score.
The third and last match of the night was much more competitive as the Bulldogs took an early lead led by Bonner and Arquette. Both teams had numerous service errors to keep the score tied at 11-11. The Bulldogs Bonner had a kill to lead the ‘Dawgs to a 15-11 lead. The Wolves came back with steady play to tie the match at 16-16. Two service points by ‘Dawg Jasmine Pulver gave the Bulldogs their last lead of the evening at 18-16. It was all Basic after that as they outscored the Bulldogs down the stretch nine points to three giving them a hard fought 25-21 win. Bonner continued her hard play with another kill at the net. “We faced a real good fundamentally sound team. We struggled at times but I think we played well against the best team we faced this year,” said Coach Robeson. The Bulldogs next home game will be against Chaparral High School on September 19 at the Hughes gym.