VERIBEST – The Bangs Lady Dragons captured the silver bracket championship of the Veribest volleyball tournament Friday thanks to three victories over Reagan County, the San Angelo Central JV and Early in a rematch of Tuesday’s season opener.

The final pitted the Brown County rivals against each other for the second time this season with Bangs coming out on top of Early, 26-24, 25-22.

Bangs built a 20-13 lead in the first set only for Early to rally late. In the second set, the Lady Dragons started out in front 21-10 before another closing surge by the Lady Horns.

All-tournament team member Neeley Bradley sparked Bangs with 2 aces, 5 kills, 10 assists, and 1 block. Other standouts included Julianna Ethridge with 3 aces; Emily Baker with 1 solo block and 1 block assist; Cloey Petty with 1 ace; Claire Auldridge with 1 solo block; Ava Boren with 2 kills and 4 setting assists; and Jadyn Miller with 1 ace and 10 kills.

The Lady Dragons started Friday action with a 25-19, 25-21 win over Reagan County.

Leading the charge for Bangs were Bradley with 1 ace, 4 kills, and 8 assists; Baker with 2 aces and 3 kills; Petty with one ace; Boren with 1 setting assist; and Miller with 4 aces and 5 kills.

Bangs reached the championship game by rallying past the San Angelo Central JV, 17-25, 26-24, 27-25.

Against Central standouts were Bradley with 3 aces, 10 kills, 10 assists, and 2 block assists; Baker with 2 aces, 2 kills, and 1 solo block; Petty with 1 ace; Auldridge with 1 solo block and 2 block assists; Boren with 2 kills and 4 setting assists; Miller with 1 ace and10 kills; and Justice Baker with 1 kill.

“Our girls are playing very well for pre-district season,” said Bangs interim coach Tamara Minshew. “We never gave up even when Early had the momentum. Our team is gaining maturity and experience with every point, while doing everything we ask of them. The coaching staff and I are very proud of them and excited.”

Bangs (5-2) is off until Thursday when it begins play in the Hamilton tournament.