WEST ORANGE – Without the services of arguably District 24-4A’s most talented player, the West Orange-Stark Lady Mustangs fought hard but just could not quite overcome Hamshire-Fannett as the Lady Longhorns got out of Mustang Gym with a 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 victory.

The Lady Mustangs (2-3) in district) were without the services of two-time All-District performer Aaliyah Teel, who had to sit it out due to a major ankle sprain.

Some of the other hitters stepped in and shined for WO-S but the Lady Longhorns (3-2 in district) had enough to pull through.

Madison Neal had one of her better outing at the net for WO-S as she led the team with eight kills.

Ja’Tayjah Vital chimed in with six kills. Elasha Colbert had five kills while Elecia Barlow added four.

Barlow had a strong service game working, pacing the Lady Mustangs with 10 service points and a match-high four aces. Olivia Basinger had five points. Gabby Robinson posted four points and an ace while Colbert had two points and an ace.

Lady Longhorn Randi Meguess had a superb all-around night. She notched a match-high 14 kills to go along with 10 points and three aces. Jessica Nevils pumped out 11 kills while Skylar Sawyer had nine kills and Majesti Lee added three.

Paige King contributed eight points and two aces for the H-F cause. Nevils finished with seven points and an ace. Sawyer had six points while Robbyn Hunter added three points and two aces.

H-F broke a 17-17 tie in Game One, tallying eight of the last 11 points to take it.

The Lady Mustangs dug themselves a 22-12 hole in Game Two but rallied all the way back to within 24-19 before H-F sealed it.

H-F built a 22-13 edge in Game Three. WO-S as close as 23-18 before H-F sealed it.

The Lady Mustangs return to action Friday when they visit Bridge City.