The Hereford Lady Whitefaces wrapped up a busy weekend of tournament play on a high note, capturing the Silver Bracket Championship at the Frenship Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 29.

Hereford played seven matches over two days, finishing the tournament with five victories and improving its overall record to 13-13.

The Lady Whitefaces opened tournament play Friday with a 2-0 victory over Lubbock High, winning 25-20 and 25-15. Teagan Thomas led the attack with six kills, while Lilly Madrigal recorded nine assists and Layla Mendoza added a block.

Hereford followed with another straight-set victory, defeating El Paso Burges 25-16 and 25-17. Karizma Rivera finished with seven kills, Madrigal recorded 10 assists, Thomas served four aces and Kyndall Valdez collected seven digs.

The Lady Whitefaces closed Friday with a 2-0 loss to Rio Rancho Cleveland, 14-25 and 14-25.

Hereford returned Saturday and opened the day against Midland Lee, falling 22-25 and 15-25. Thomas recorded six kills, Valdez had eight digs, Rivera added two blocks and Madrigal finished with five assists and an ace.

The Lady Whitefaces responded by putting together three consecutive victories to close the tournament.

Hereford defeated El Paso High in straight sets, 25-22 and 25-20. Valdez anchored the defense with 10 digs, Madrigal handed out 12 assists, Rivera recorded five kills and Mendoza added three blocks.

The Lady Whitefaces then battled past Midland Christian in three sets, winning 25-13, 19-25 and 25-20. Rivera led Hereford with nine kills and added two blocks, while Mendoza also recorded two blocks. Madrigal finished with 15 assists and four aces, and Valdez collected 14 digs.

Head coach Alyssa Lopez credited the Lady Whitefaces' defense with helping create opportunities for an aggressive attack.

“We made solid defensive plays that allowed us to run an aggressive offense,” Lopez said. She also praised Rivera for stepping up offensively and Madrigal for making an impact from the service line.

“Proud of how every player did her job, and how we responded to our mistakes,” Lopez said.

That victory advanced Hereford to the Silver Bracket championship, where the Lady Whitefaces finished the weekend with a convincing 2-0 victory over Frenship Memorial, 25-15 and 25-18.

Thomas recorded seven kills and Madrigal added seven assists in the championship match. Lopez said strong defensive pushes helped Hereford keep rallies alive and pointed to Thomas and Mendoza for their aggressive attacks.

The win secured the Silver Bracket Championship for the Lady Whitefaces. Valdez was also selected to the Frenship Tournament All-Tournament Team.

Hereford finished the tournament 5-2 and heads into its next competition with a 13-13 overall record.

Kyndall Valdez earns All-Tournament Team (PHOTO: Lady Whifeface Volleyball FB)