Despite dealing with a series of bumps and bruises throughout the first half of the regular season, Sterling Volleyball has flipped the script, following an exemplary performance in the first round of district-play.
Under the direction of ninth-year coach Candace Southall-Burkhalter, the Rangers went from teetering below .500, to a current record 15-13, which includes an impressive 5-2 record (second-place) in district.
“They just started playing like a family,” said Southall. “It took a little while to establish the chemistry, since we’ve dealt with various injuries during the preseason and regular season, so our first district game was the first time we had everyone healthy and back together.”
“It took that aspect for us to figure out who we are. I think going into each game, we’ve just gotten stronger, and they’ve been working for each other.”
Said injuries included one the Baytown team’s stars, 2022 District 17-5A Offensive MVP, Katy Barger (Sr. OH). This has given several other key pieces the opportunity to step up.
“Katy (Barger) had been out for three weeks at one point,” Southall said. “However, when she got back, you know she’s a playmaker, so she definitely has had a huge impact on our team. In her absence, Bailee Payne (Sr. OH) has helped carry the team on several occasions.”
“But, I think in all actuality, most of the team has stepped up in their own way. Our setters, Kennedy Birdsell (Sr.) and Kyilee Whittington (Jr.), are key elements and are the driving forces of our team. Our defense relies heavily on Karmyn Hebert (Sr. L) and Briana Galvan (Sr. DS), so it’s really been a total team effort all the way through.”
As Sterling prepares for round two in the district race, they’ll have to contend with other powers such as Barbers Hill and Nederland.
Bailee Payne
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Karmyn Hebert
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Kadince Grothe
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Briana Galvan
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Valerie Rosas
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“Going into the second round, it’s going to take some adjusting. There were some moments where we had some unforced errors the first time through district, but we’re more familiar with our opponents now. If and when we show up, I think it’s going to be a better time around for us.”
Given that fact, what will it take for Southall-Burkhalter and the Rangers to keep this momentum going?
“Honestly, it’s just going to be about maintaining our focus on one point at a time,” she said. “We can’t look too far in advance, we just need to be where our feet are. That’s the goal for the whole second half.”
“Our motto for the season, if you will, has been the acronym ‘F.A.M.I.L.Y.’ which means ‘Forget About Me, I Love You,’ which will continue to be our mindset moving forward, as we look for a spot in the playoffs.”
Stick around. Something tells us that this is only the beginning for Baytown Sterling.