(Banner Staff Photo by Doc Smith) Above, senior Valarie Roberts makes a dig for the Lady Panthers in the three-game sweep over Mineola last week. Roberts had nine kills, 13 digs and two service aces in the win, improving the Bullard record to 16-7 on the year. The Lady Panthers played Van on Tuesday after deadline. The Lady Panthers improved to 16-7 on the year for head coach Kala Morrow. District play begins on Saturday, Sept. 26, against Chapel Hill at 10 a.m. with the freshmen game. BULLARD - The Bullard Lady Panthers made a three-game sweep in three different ways to take down the Mineola Lady ‘Jackets by scores of, 25-17, 25-19, and 25-18, in volleyball action at Panther gymnasium last Tuesday night.

In the first game, a late Mineola run made the score closer than it was. Bullard led 10-4, after a five-point service run from Raiven Whatley.

The second game had it’s share of ties and lead changes early on before Bullard rode the front line play of Valarie Roberts, Nikki Coleman, and Ashlee Shidler

Mineola was determined to take at least one game in the match as Beni Lopez made a six-point service run early on for a 6-1, Lady ‘Jackets lead. Steadily the Lady Panther used every opportunity to battle back for ties at 9, 10, and 12.

Lady Panther, Madison Moore stepped to service and blasted out an ace and six-points later Bullard was on the way to the sweep.

Statistically for Bullard, Ashlee Shidler had 10 kills, nine digs, and one solo block.

Valarie Roberts added nine kills, 13 digs, and two service aces, joining with Nikki Coleman chiming in on seven kills, eight digs, two solo blocks. Brittany Glover was key upfront as well with five kills, and two solo blocks for solid frontline play for the Lady Panthers.

Senior setter, Heather Camp returned to the lineup for the first time of the season and shared assist honors with Raiven Whatley with 14 apiece.

“We played better against Mineola than we have been playing,” said BHS head coach, Kala Morrow. “I don’t know if was the excitement of having Heather (Camp) back or just the thrill of playing at home again after being on the road for three weekends in a row.

“While there is always room for improvement, it’s great for the girls to win in three behind a strong offense,” Morrow added, “I’ve told the girls that the games get harder from this point on, so I’m anticipating a higher level of play each time we step on the court.”

Mineola (11-9), got eight kills from Sara Rose in the losing effort.

The Lady Panthers (16-7), took a break until they entertained Van on Tuesday night at Panther gymnasium.