MOSS BLUFF — The Barbe Lady Bucs volleyball team used a strong start to put away the Sam Houston Broncos 3-1 on Tuesday night.

The Bucs (6-3) were coming off a strong run over the weekend in the South Louisiana Invitational tournament in Baton Rouge, where they didn’t lose a game up until falling to host University Lab in the final. Much like in that tournament, much of their success hinged on the play of junior hitter Ebony Lewis.

“(Ebony Lewis) has been a rock for us,” said Barbe head coach Jeremy White. “When I need someone to step up, be a force and let everyone know we are going to win the match, it is always her. It’s hard to describe a kid who has as much heart as she does, and I am extremely proud of her.”

She finished with 18 kills, 10 digs and five aces.

Lewis started by controlling the net then providing a set of serves as the Bucs won the first game 25-21. Courtney LaFargue was able to come away with a pair of big blocks to seal the game.

The Bucs jumped to a 10-2 lead in the second set, and once again Lewis powered her team to finish off the Broncos 25-17.

It was in the third game that Sam Houston came to life, though, as the Broncos jumped out to a 12-2 lead, taking the momentum and the game 25-18.

The Broncos (4-3) rode that momentum swing into the fourth game as they battled back and forth with the Bucs, holding the lead for a majority of the time. However, Lewis and company were able to come from 19-17 down to win six consecutive points, winning the game 25-23 to give them the match.

“In the third game we got a little rattled and Sam Houston kind of took the intensity from us,” White said. “It wasn’t until about midway through the fourth game that we kind of regained that intensity and momentum and eventually won the match. I was really proud of my kids for being so resilient because that is something that we have struggled with so far this year.”

Sam Houston head coach Rene Fontenot said she was satisfied with the way her young squad played.

“My girls did really well to fight back tonight, and at some points we would have up to three freshman on the floor, but I think they did really well to not get rattled and play (Barbe) point for point, especially there in the fourth game,” Fontenot said.

LaFargue finished the match with 31 assists, 11 digs and three kills.

Leading the way for the Broncos were Carleigh Chaumont, who had 22 kills and Kennedy McLemore who had 41 assists.

Barbe’s Ebony Lewis gently sends the ball over the net as two Sam Houston blockers defend Tuesday afternoon in Moss Bluff. (Rick Hickman / Special to the American Press)

(Rick Hickman / Special to the American Press)