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Bridgeport tops newest volleyball rankings


Bridgeport coach Alison Jones delivered a simple message to her squad heading into the championship match in Burkburnett Saturday against 3A’s second-ranked Boyd Lady Yellowjackets.

“I told them before the match to compete,” Jones recounted Monday. “[Boyd was] going to do some great things. We just had to compete. We knew it would be close. And the girls just blew it out of the water.”

Bridgeport beat Boyd in two sets, 25-17, 25-23, for its second victory over a state-ranked and returning state tournament team within a week. The Sissies, who opened the season with a victory over 2A No. 2 Lindsay, moved to 8-0 in capturing the title at the Cool in Boomtown tournament.

After the big week, Bridgeport topped the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s 4A poll Monday when the new rankings were released.

“I was ecstatic,” said Bridgeport senior setter Haley Barton about the ranking. “I’m so proud of us. But we know we just need to work harder now.”

Suddenly atop the state rankings is a big jump for a Bridgeport team that fell shy of the playoffs last year. Jones expects the ranking to serve as added motivation as the Sissies enter another challenging week. After a match with 5A Azle at home Tuesday, Bridgeport heads to the Glen Rose Tournament. Bridgeport is in a bracket with Andrews, Bowie, Wichita Falls and Clifton at the tournament.

“It can all change tomorrow. I hope this helps put in perspective what we have going on,” Jones said. “People will see that and want to beat us. We have to stay in the moment.”

In the undefeated start, the Sissies have displayed a versatile attack. Against Boyd, Anna Strother and Zoe Hall buried seven kills each. Barton handed out 12 assists.

“This year has been extremely fun. Every option is a good hitter,” Barton said. “Zoe is great on the outside. Anna is great in the middle. Tiffany [Wootton] does a great job wherever she is. I’m not afraid to set the ball anywhere.”

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