Leonard, Texas -- The Leonard Lady Tigers opened their 2026 season with an impressive three-set win over the Bonham Lady Warriors.

Bonham had a 5-3 lead in the first set before Leonard rallied to pull even at 8-8 and then went on a 6-0 run to take control. Back-to-back aces by Bella Neaville stretched Leonard's lead to 20-13 and the Lady Tigers went on to put a 25-18 win in the books.

Leonard dominated the second set, building a 20-5 advantage and cruising to a 25-11 victory.

In the third set, Bonham jumped out to a 3-0 lead only to watch Leonard pull away for a 10-point lead at 18-8. A late rally by the Lady Warriors fell short, giving Leonard a 25-18 win for the sweep.

Avery Ross paced the Leonard attack with nine kills, followed by Leah Stoy (7 kills), Bella Neaville (6 kills), Ashlynn Cavendar (6 kills), Ava Flowers (4 kills), and Caroline Holton (2 kills).

Flowers also had 24 assists, nine digs, two aces and a pair of blocks.

Olivia Aylor came up with 11 digs to go along with three assists and an ace.

Emma Houser had five digs, Jasper Cunningham and Trinity Newby both got under four digs, Alexis Randall had three digs and Madison Prather had a pair of digs.

Leonard will compete in the Sulphur Springs Volleyball Tournament set for August 13-15 and Bonham will travel to Paris for the Chisum Volleyball Tournament August 13 and August 15.

District play for the Lady Tigers begins September 8, 2026 when Leonard hosts Bells.

photos by Allen Rich