Lady Rams Looking for First District Win
By Amy Bearden
The Mineral Wells Lady Rams, with a record of 18-10, are having their best season ever on the volleyball court, and despite dropping their first two district matches to Graham and Stephenville, they still have their eyes on making it into the playoffs.
“These girls are setting a new standard and are changing the culture of Mineral Wells Volleyball,” says Head Coach Kimberly Branch.
She says the Lady Rams have already reached some big milestones this year including their first winning season since 2010. They won their first tournament ever this season and also advanced to the “Gold Bracket” of the highly competitive, well known Lu Allen Tournament.
“We aren’t done yet,” said Branch, who is coaching her first season in Mineral Wells. “We will fight to the bitter end. Our goal from the get go was to make the playoffs so we are doing everything in our power to make that happen.”
Making the playoffs will not be easy according to Athletic Director Tony Raffaele.
“Our district is the toughest in our region with three teams that go deep in the playoffs every year. Playing tough competition in district will only help us down the road,” said Raffaele. “The volleyball team will need to play to their strengths and execute the game plan that coaches lay out to make a playoff run. We have great kids with the potential to do great things today and in the future.”
“Coach Branch is doing an outstanding job with the girls. Her experience in volleyball is paying off and will in the future also.”
Tonight Branch has organized Teacher Appreciation Night, a program she does at every school, because “It takes a village,” she said.
Each Varsity player has chosen a teacher that has made a positive impact in their life and tonight the athletes will honor them before the game.
Tonight’s match against Brownwood, who come to town with a 4-18 record, will be a big game for the Lady Rams as they look to improve on their District record. Games begin at 5pm for the Freshman and Junior Varsity and then 6pm for Varsity. Brownwood is 0-3 in District.
