WITHIN REACH: State Title could be in the cards for No. 3 Lutheran South
NO. 3 -- LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY PIONEERS
Head Coach: Geoff Stresman
2023: 341-8/TAPPS-5A State Finalists
THE PIONEERS WERE AT THE DOORSTEP OF WINNING IT ALL IN 2023.
Lutheran South won 41 matches and marched its way to the TAPPS 5A State Championship match. Although the Pioneers fell to Liberty Christian in the Final, they now eye a return trip in 2024, and they have the firepower to do it.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove returns for 19th-year coach Geoff Stresman (364-228). Musgrove was the District MVP, first-team, all-state, a State All-Tournament Team selection, and also a USAV U19 National Team pick. She racked up 641 kills, 564 assists, 322 digs, 111 aces and 55 blocks in her junior campaign.
Also returning for LSA is middle blocker Kenna Sambrano (276 kills, 56 blocks) and right-side/setter Aniston Collins (783 assists, 270 digs, 113 kills, 101 aces). They were both named to the TAPPS State All-Tournament team and first-team, all-district picks.
Also watch for Jamie Faseler (216 digs, 51 aces – second-team, all-district) and Haleigh Pham (187 kills, 70 blocks, 43 aces— honorable-mention, all-district).
“A lot of offense is returning. We will have some young and upcoming hitters on the outside this year,” Stresman said. “Replacing Taylor Crain as our libero will be key, as she was our leader on and off the court and always brought high energy and intensity to the team. Senior leadership will be key this season."