The Madisonville volleyball team split a pair of district matchups last week with a loss to China Spring on the road Oct. 5 and a home victory over Connally Friday to conclude the first round of district 3-2. The Lady Mustangs began their second round of district Tuesday with a road matchup in Mexia.

“I think the first half (of district) went pretty much as we expected,” said head coach Kristen Hooten. “We are sitting right where we want to be and where we felt we would probably be. It has played out exactly how it did lsat year at the end of the first round, so we are very familiar with this part. We are excited with the level of play wee’ve seen in the first round and just building on that into the second round.”

The team’s last road game of round one came at undefeated China Spring, one of the class’s most competitive programs. The Lady Mustangs fell in straight sets by scores of 8-25, 12-25 and 5-25.

“(China Spring) is really good,” said Hooten. “They are really big and have nine seniors, which is a lot of leadership and experience. They are just a good program, so we knew it was going to be difficult going in.”

Olyvia Brooks led the team in kills with four in the loss to China Spring and was followed by Maegan Anderson, Briana Johnson and Kayla Dickey with two apiece. Harlee Christiansen led the team with five assists while Jadyn Hooten led the way with five digs.

“We didn’t block well that night,” said Hooten. “That is something we are definitely going to need to do better when they come to our place. (China Spring) is playing really well right now and there hasn’t really been a close game with them and anyone else at this moment.”

The Lady Mustangs battled back Friday with a win over Connally in straight sets at MHS by scores of 25-16, 25-23 and 25-23.

“(Connally) has really improved from last year as far as their play,” said Hooten. “They have some athletic kids and came in and hit the ball well. But our serve is something that really helped us, we served aggressive and they struggled a bit on serve-receive.”

Anderson, Dickey and Brynlee Urbantke led thee team in kills against Connally with five apiece. Jadyn Hooten led the way with 14 digs and was followed by Urbantke with seven.

“We played well together, didn’t give up and fought through,” said Hooten. “The games you are supposed to win are always the scary ones to me, so I was happy to come out with a sweep. It is always important to make a statement and beat someone in three.”

The win over Connally ensured a 3-2 district record for the Lady Mustangs to conclude the first round of play, good for third place entering Tuesday night’s matchup in Mexia. On Friday, the team will host LaVega at MHS.

“Anytime you beat a team the first round, they are always going to bee gunning for you in the second round,” said Hooten. “They are trying to make the playoffs, so they will defiantly be ready for us.”