For the first time all season, the Temple College Lady Leopards had a chance to have a winning record. But they failed to play their best in Monday’s match against Midland, falling 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 at TC Gym.

But to their credit, they rallied back in the nightcap against Tyler 25-15, 25-27, 25-13, 25-22 to get back to .500 at 11-11.

“I don’t believe a champion is perfect,” Temple coach Mary Reese said. “They just come back quickly from their setbacks.”

And that’s exactly what happened as Temple dominated Tyler for the second time this season. Cheyenne Craigen had a season-high 45 assists, 12 digs, two blocks and two aces. Heather Lisenbe added 11 kills and seven blocks and Precious Sanders had 10 kills, two blocks and two digs.

“Tyler was ranked 15 when we went up and beat them there,” Reese added. “That loss knocked them down to about 25 so they are pretty good and they have a good reputation.”

It was a big win for the Lady Leopards after losing to Midland in straight sets in the opener.

“Our girls just didn’t show up on offense,” Reese said. “Midland’s height and blocking wasn’t a problem, we just didn’t put the ball away.”

Elise Swearengin led Temple in that match with 11 kills.

“Our girls showed a lot of character to go from the earlier loss to domination,” Reese concluded. “It makes it gratifying to be their coach.”

Temple will be at Panola on Friday then begin Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference play on Sept. 30 when it hosts North Central Texas College at 6 p.m.