In between Mortimer Jordan’s loss Tuesday to Moody and Thursday’s match with Hayden, something changed. The Blue Devils found an attacking game.

And attack they did, shaking off a close loss in the first game to take a 25-27, 25-14, 25-16, 25-16 are win over the Wildcats.

Sophomore hitter Lynlee Taylor had the best match of her young career, smacking 11 kills and scoring more points on softer tips.

“Yesterday in practice, something clicked,” Devils coach Megan Butler said. “She finally got it.”

So did Hillary Hardiman. The Jordan libero was all over the back line with 27 digs. Moreover, she saved quite a few points for the Devils when a pass or set didn’t get close enough to the net for Taylor or Elisabeth Naramore to put away.

“They just came alive tonight,” Butler said. “Hardiman played so much smarter tonight. She’s really quick.”

On the other side, it was a painful sight for Wildcat coach Audri Johnson, who’s used to dealing with much more experience than the freshman- and sophomore-laden roster she has this year.

“We’re just so young. Our setter is a freshman [Dayna Leahey], and she’s working hard, but she’s got a way to go. My usual expectations are higher [for our teams]. The future is bright, but the present…”

Hayden got off to a fast start, but Jordan came back to tie the first game late, only to lose on two net violations and an ace by Amy Bottomlee. But the Devils’s newfound attack had the Cats on their heels the rest of the way.

Bottomlee led Hayden with five kills, and Crystal Sharp had five aces.

Rockets sweep Shades Valley: Bekah Myers had 16 kills and six aces as Gardendale beat the Mounties 25-15, 25-18, 25-17 on Thursday.

Maegan Belcher had seven kills and 17 digs, and Sarah Brewis added 17 assists for Gardendale (13-7).

CROSS COUNTRY

Jordan boys, Hayden girls win again: There seems to be a pattern developing, as once again the Mortimer Jordan Boys and Hayden girls  each ran away with their respective divisions in a a cross country meet Thursday at Jordan.

On the boys’ side, the Blue Devils missed the top three finishing positions, but took five out of the next six to win with a team score of 33 points. Oneonta was second with 66, followed by Hueytown, Hayden, Minor and Fultondale.

Individual results:

1. Alex Gilliland, Oneonta, 18:18; 2. Zac Bonds, Hueytown; 3. Johnny Hubauer, Oneonta; 4. Gatlin Holland, Jordan; 5. Cody Skinner, Jordan; 6. Darin Craig, Hayden; 7. Michael Carter, Jordan; 8. Seth Archer, Jordan; 9. Kyle Bryant, Jordan; 10. Shaw Cornelius, Oneonta.

For the girls, Hayden’s Krista Stricklin nearly lapped the field as she easily won individual honors, leading the Wildcats to a team victory with a time of 21:44.

The Wildcats were followed by Jordan, Hueytown and Minor in the team results.