MAUD, Texas – The Maud Lady Cardinals volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a dominant 9‑0 record, earning a No. 5 ranking in the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) 1A/2A poll. The squad has not dropped a single set, winning all 21 possible sets through its first nine matches, including a tournament championship at the Redwater event.
Key performances and milestones
Head coach Cory Fothergill, who became Maud volleyball’s all‑time winningest coach last season, highlighted the contributions of senior leaders Leah Pemberton and Keira Mangtamag. Pemberton reached the 500‑career‑kill milestone earlier in the season and entered the recent Big Sandy matchup with 96 kills, surpassing 100 kills in a 3‑0 win. She also recorded 14 blocks heading into that match.
Mangtamag, a versatile playmaker, hit the 500‑assist mark earlier in the year. Before the Big Sandy game she had logged 103 assists, 56 digs and 26 aces, adding to those totals in the ninth victory. Additional contributors include Maysun Sanders (19 kills, 43 digs), Emily Pemberton (18 kills), Kaydence Endsley (45 digs), Brooke Allison (18 aces) and Lexi Tigue (16 aces).
Recent results
The Lady Cardinals defeated Big Sandy in straight sets, 25‑9, 25‑16 and 25‑11, extending their unbeaten streak. Coach Fothergill praised the effort, saying, “A solid effort all the way around for the team.” Maud’s next game is scheduled at Rivercrest on Friday.
Regional competition
Nearby Atlanta, Texas, also posted a strong start, finishing 7‑1 overall after a 5‑1 run in the Redwater tournament. The Lady Rabbs lost only three sets in eight matches, including two to Maud, and will compete in the Gilmer tournament beginning Thursday.
Other area results
In the same roundup, the New Boston Lady Lions earned a five‑set win over Avery, 3‑2, with standout performances from Ashlyn Pepper (15 kills, 10 digs) and a balanced effort from the rest of the lineup. Queen City secured a road victory over Linden‑Kildare, highlighted by freshman contributions and strong net play.
These early‑season results underscore the depth of high‑school girls volleyball across the ArkLaTex region, with Maud leading the way in both record and set dominance.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
