BEEVILLE — The volleyball season started in earnest on Tuesday night as the Lady Trojans hosted Bee County rival Skidmore-Tynan in the opening match of the season for both teams.

The Lady Trojans had too much firepower for the Lady Cats and won in three straight games, 25-15, 25-10 and 25-13.

“Well, we knew coming to Beeville that it was going to be a tough game for us. We got to see Beeville in a scrimmage last Saturday, and it was obvious to me that they’re much better than I saw them last year,” said S-T head coach Tim Stowe.

“Coach (Brittainie) Zinsmeyer has done an incredible job with them this year.”

Game one of the best of three had the Lady Trojans jump out to a quick start from the serve of Brianna Jackson. The Beeville girls reeled off six straight points to begin the game and then built the 6-0 lead to a 9-2 margin in the early minutes.

The Lady Trojans dominated play at the net with hitters Victoria Elizalde, Emma Downing, Ciara Garcia and Brennan Holder. The A.C. Jones defense was also strong as most of the S-T hits were returned and set up Beeville points.

“It was nice to see them all contributing to the game,” said Zinsmeyer.

“The girls’ progress is moving along smoothly. They showed a lot more movement and communication. They are learning the game of volleyball and how to read the court.”

Holder finished the three-game set with eight kills; Elizalde chipped in with seven, and Downing followed with five kills on the night.

The net play on defense was also good as Downing and Holder each came up with three blocks apiece. Cuellar finished with eight digs on the back line for the Lady Trojans, and Elizalde added five digs for the Beeville girls.

The Lady Cats pulled within eight points a couple of times late in game one, but could get no closer. Krystal Cuellar, Amanda Gonzalez, Celeste Contreras and Jackson patrolled the back line for the Lady Trojans.

Game two was much the same, but the long service run from Jackson came late in the contest to secure the win. Jackson ran off the final seven points of the game from an 18-10 starting point.

Game three of the best of five was close early as the S-T girls fought to stay in the match. Beeville was out front by just three at 11-8 before outscoring the Lady Cats 14-5 down the stretch to capture the final game.

The Lady Cats were led by Amber Hughlett, Amy Berthold, Haley Scott, Kaitlyn Hudson, Reagan Crittendon and Sydney Baker. Their defense was good but could not hold against the pressure of hits on virtually every point that the Lady Trojans exhibited.

“I felt we were on the defense the entire game. Kudos to Beeville for staying on the attack and not letting up,” Stowe said.

“We weren’t able to attack them successfully. And Beeville took advantage of the many free balls we sent to them.”

The Lady Trojans’ service game was also strong with Jackson hitting four aces. Cuellar added three aces. Garcia, Holder, Gonzalez and Elizalde also provided strong serves.

Coach Stowe was impressed with his girls’ fight and attitude in the match.

“We will continue working on all facets of the game. I am proud that our team never threw in the towel, even when they were down,” he said.

“I enjoy our rivalry with Beeville and look forward to continuing it with them.”

The Lady Trojans will compete this weekend in the Corpus Christi ISD tournament. This will give new head coach Zinsmeyer several matches to fine-tune the Lady Trojans and see how her charges fare against some of the perennial volleyball powerhouses of South Texas.

“Overall, I see a lot of potential in this year’s team. With a great emphasis on fundamentals and team cohesion, I think we will surprise a lot of teams,” said Zinsmeyer.

Skidmore-Tynan traveled to Riviera-Kaufer on Friday night and will compete in the Pettus Lady Eagles varsity tournament on Saturday.