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DOWN TO THE WIRE: Previewing a critical UIL VB State Semis matchup -- Bellville vs. Davenport
Let's just get right into it.
On one of the court, you have the Bellville Brahmas who are enjoying one of the most exemplary seasons they've seen in recent years, from a statistical stand-point -- currently touting a record of 43-5.
Coach Susan Brewer's squad is no stranger to this stage, given that they reached this point in 2022, before falling to eventual State Runner-Up Aubrey.
However, the Brahmanettes have displayed nothing less than sheer dominance throughout this postseason, as they have swept each opponent (FB Willowridge, Burnet, Livingston, and most recently Hargrave) up to this point.
In terms of star-power, take your pick between the likes of Bailey Scheerer (Jr. MB), Sydney McKay (High Point-signee), Rebecca Lucksinger (Jr. MB), Emmy Novicke (Sr. L), and Samantha Marik (Sr. OH).
Bellville is the traditional power in this match-up, having made State appearances in three of the last four years. But, they will have the ambition of claiming the program's first state title since 2005, when they were still in Class 3A.
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However, the new power has unquestionably been that of Davenport.
The reigning UIL-4A Champions picked up right where they left off last year, ranking among the top teams to come out of the San Antonio-area.
Similar to their opponent, the Wolves have been just as commanding entering the State Semis.
They have toppled Eastside EC (3-0), La Vernia (3-0), Calhoun (3-0), and Floresville (3-1) over the course of the past two weeks to make their way back to the Final-Four, improving their record to 39-8 in 2024.
Coach Taylour Toso's rotation has spread the wealth when it comes to overall stats.
In the offensive department, Emily Williams (311 kills) and McKaleigh Mattson (306 kills) run the table.
But if I were to pick an MVP for the team, it would be Alexis Dahl. As it stands, the junior setter has been all over the place, having registered 725 assists, 442 digs, and 267 kills on the year, making her a jack of all trades for Davenport.
Furthermore, Logan Strong (794 digs, 584 receptions), Dakota Hart (339 digs), and freshman Kylie Dahl (259 assists) round out what could be the most balanced crew in the state.
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There's no room for error at this stage, and fans should be in for a show when these two power-programs face off Tuesday night (6:00 pm) at the Austin Burger Center in Sunset Valley, TX.
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The faces of 2023-24 Bellville Volleyball
HOMETOWN HEROES: No. 10 Bellville expecting another trip to State
THERE IS ONE GAME IN THE TOWN OF BELLVILLE AND THAT IS BRAHMA-NATION.
The Red and White runs the show in the small west Houston-ish town. No Starbucks, no Chick-fil-a, no HEB. No internet. Well, let’s not go that far.
What Bellville does have is a passion for volleyball, which was built by coach Susan Brewer over the past four decades. She has accumulated nine State Titles during that time as well.
The Brahmanettes are a power program and went 39-11 overall and 12-0 in district in 2022, en route to another State appearance. They lost in the State Semis for the second year in a row.
So, how does Brewer’s crew fare in 2023?
All-Tournament recipient Sydney McKay is back in the fold as a versatile outside hitter. Seniors Mackenzie Watson, Allyson Skeen and Sarah Lischka will play huge roles on offense and defense, while a trio of super sophomores Ella Burnett, Bailey Scheerer and Rebecca Lucksinger will need to play even bigger roles in 2023.
They will blow through district play, but can they punch their ticket to the State Final and bring home gold? We will see come November.