The UIL State Championship matches are almost here, but before the stage is completely set, there is still some business to be handled in the semifinals. Keller makes debut in the State Tournament and the Indians are more than ready to take on Fort Bend Ridge Point in a match nobody is going to want to miss!
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Keller Indians (31-12, 12-0)
With an outstanding season that not many saw coming, the Indians finished at the top of their district after an undefeated district run (12-0). Dropping only 12 matches all season, Keller posted a 72% win percentage and lost only one set en route to the state tournament.
Keller has had incredible athletes on the court this season. Leading the team in kills is West Virginia signee Melanie McGann. McGann has tallied 588 kills on the season and will look to continue her dominance on the court against Ridge Point. Sophomore Reagan Sharp is second in kills with 350 kills. Sharp has also tallied seven aces, 15 total blocks, and 102 digs.
Fort Bend Ridge Point Panthers (38-10, 14-0)
Ridge Point has posted an incredible season as well. Undefeated in district play, the Panthers have dropped only 33 sets all season. Making their third tournament appearance, the Panthers want to make it to state and then harness a title. Their last appearance in the tournament ended in a less-than-favorable fashion for the Panthers in 2019 where they didn't escape the semifinals. The year before, they were state runner-ups.
Ridge Point hosts six athletes who have signed or committed to play at the next level, so it's clear that they have the slight edge over Keller in this semifinal matchup. LSU signee Alexis Roberson is one of the toughest players Keller will face all season. Roberson has tallied 303 kills and 137 blocks (118 solo). Teammate and Colorado pledge Sydney Jordan leads the team with 367 kills and has tallied 465 digs.
What to Expect:
On paper there is a clear favorite, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Ridge Point will make it happen and find themselves in the state championship match. Although they have a strong attacking force, Keller has been one of the most unstoppable teams in the DFW area all season. If they go down, they aren't going to go down easily or quietly. Fans can expect a strong match out of both teams with maybe a couple of surprises!