On Sept. 28, the Lady Bulldogs hosted the Lady Longhorns of Payson. This match would keep the fans and teams on the edge of their seats in almost every set played.
In the first set, the Lady Bulldogs would jump to an early lead but the Lady Longhorns would close the gap and the Lady Bulldogs would have to dig deep for the win for a final score of Winslow 25, Payson 21.
In the second set, the Lady Longhorns would take the lead and not let up with in a set that would be the biggest margin ending at Winslow 11, Payson 25.
In the third set both teams would battle for it with only a point or two separating them throughout. Lady Bulldog Natilyn Nez would secure the win with two aces for the win and a score of Winslow 25, Payson 23.
In the fourth set, the Lady Longhorns would open up a double-digit lead but the Lady Bulldogs would battle back to keep it close at the end. Winslow 22 Payson 25.
In the fifth and deciding match both teams would give it their all making every point having to be earned through long volleys with Winslow coming ahead, 15-8.
Winslow stats include 12 aces led by Jaci Gonnie and Nez each with three; 40 kills led by Ajhana Tagler with 15 and Jauslyn Nells with 13; 68 digs led by Gonnie with 13, Nells with 12 and Holly Nelson with 11; 117 attacks led by Tagler with 39, Gonnie with 33 and Nells with 27; and 37 assists led by Nelson with 16 and Keira Barton with 13.
On Sept. 30, the Lady Bulldogs traveled to Chino Valley to take on the Lady Cougars in an afternoon match.
Winslow swept the matches, 25-15, 25-14 and 25-17.
Winslow had 10 aces led by Tagler with three; 19 kills led by Gonnie with 8; 43 digs led by Nells with 18; 75 attacks led by Gonnie with 23, Nells with 18 and Tagler with 17; and 18 assists led by Barton with 7.
