Move on to districts.

That was the mindset Saturday for Kaci Jones’ Belle Lady Tiger volleyball team after coming up short in the consolation match of the Eugene Volleyball Tournament.

Splitting their pool match with Eugene. Belle then dropped both sets to Sacred Heart (Sedalia) by scores of 30-28 and 26-24 dropping them to the consolation championship match against Cuba.

Falling in two sets 26-24 and 25-23, Jones’ Lady Tigers came up just short of bringing home hardware from Cole County.

Last Tuesday against St. James for senior night, Belle’s Lady Tigers welcomed their opponents from Phelps County for a non-conference volleyball showdown at Belle High School.

After Belle swept the junior varsity match against St. James in two sets by scores of 25-11 and 25-11, seniors Mea Jones and Ella Tipton were recognized.

Mea Jones was unfortunately sick that day and unable to play during senior night.

Nonetheless, Belle swept the varsity match in three sets by scores of 25-13, 25-14 and 25-17.

Lydia Jones led Belle with four aces followed by two each from Adalyn Walters and Tipton.

Walters also led the Lady Tigers with two blocks followed by one each from Makenna Loughridge and Brooklynn Maddox.

With Jones out, Saige Garner stepped up as a setter leading Belle against St. James with two assists.

Tipton showed the way for Belle with seven kills followed by six apiece from Loughridge and Maddox.

Lydia Jones added three kills while Garner also picked up one.

Belle opened play in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 2, District 8 Volleyball Tournament at Dixon High School last night (Tuesday) against Steelville’s Lady Cardinals.

A win would advance them to tomorrow’s (Thursday) district semifinals against Houston’s Lady Tigers at 6 p.m., in Dixon.