High School Sports

Through eight games of the 2008 volleyball season, the John Tyler Lady Lions are on an even keel so to speak.

Despite injuries, and mostly newcomers on the varsity roster, JT sees a little hope.

The Lady Lions (4-4) look to go over the .500 mark for the first time all season on Tuesday when the play at Lufkin. The varsity match is set for a 1 p.m. start.

After splitting their firs two matches, JT went 3-3 at the Garland ISD Tournament, making it to the semifinals of the challenger's bracket before bowing out.

The Lady Lions played with only nine players at the tournament, but hope to get help soon. Alexis White, a senior middle blocker who made the second-team all-district last year, will find out Wednesday when she can return from a foot injury.

White wore a boot during JT's season opener, a night which saw junior Kelvicia Warren go down with an ankle injury, putting her on crutches and out for an unknown period.

Other than the injuries, JT coach Stephanie March-Smith noticed improvements during the tournament.

"We're hitting better," March-Smith said. "It's a learning process. It's going to (take time to) gel."

After playing Lufkin, JT is scheduled to go to Marshall Friday for the start of a two-day tournament.

-- Harold Wilson