Bradwell’s volleyball team improved to 5-3 overall and 4-1 in Region 3-AAAAA this past week after defeating Groves in two sets (25-16, 25-16) and downing a tough Ware County team two sets to one.
The BI girls edged out a 27-25 win in the first set against Ware County before losing the second set, 25-23. In the third set, the Lady Tigers stayed focused and outscored the Lady Gators 25-16 for the win.
“Our motto is ‘One Heart Beat,’” coach DeAndre Davis said. “If we continue to play as a team and trust each other, we will be clicking on all cylinders during the region tournament in October.”
Davis said the three losses this season were in close matches, and his players, including many of the younger ones, are gaining confidence in their abilities.
“Young players such as Bianca Reyes, Kiera Martin and Nadine Moses are starting to come into their own,” Davis said. “Martin has been the most consistent. Another young lady who is really stepping up is Jazmyn Payton.”
Davis said that he is happy with the overall performance.
“No coach likes mistakes and errors, but it is something that is going to happen,” he said. “If the little things are done right, then I think that the matches would get much easier.”
Reyes and Leitia Leiataua were the top scorers with 25 and 26 points respectively. Raven Dozier and Emele Philip scored 20 points apiece while Ke’Andrea Ladson scored 15 points.  
The coach said the defense has improved as the players have learned what to expect from each other.
“It is good when the girls begin to sacrifice themselves for the team,” he said. “Thursday night was a big turnaround on defense. The girls were diving on the floor and keeping the ball alive.”
The Lady Tigers are off until Sept. 18, when they play traditional powers Richmond Hill and Camden County in Kingsland.

Season point totals
Bianca Reyes — 66
Ke’Andrea Ladson — 65
Leitia Leiataua — 65
Raven Dozier — 57
Keiauna Savea — 35
Emele Philip — 53
Nadine Moses — 4
Jazmyn Payton — 8