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THE PINNACLE: UIL Volleyball State Final Preview -- Stratford vs. Byron Nelson (6A-D2)
In the midst of the most preeminent season their program has ever seen, Stratford (42-2) has never stopped believing in what they can accomplish.
After defeating Shadow Creek (3-1) in the Region III Final, the Spartans followed that up with another win in four sets against Vandegrift on Tuesday -- securing their place in the state championship for the first time since 2002.
Now, can they take it a step further and finally clinch the title?
Coach Jenny Adcock, the staff, the players, and their loyal fan-base certainly seem to think so.
What makes this group so threatening -- aside from their noticeable size -- is the fact that they're so well-balanced across the board.
Gwen Koss (465 kills, 423 digs), Sarah Hickman (361 kills), and Avery Kent (312 kills) provide the offensive production, thanks to Audrey Cook (1,259 assists, 363 digs) working her setter's magic.
Additionally, senior libero Rachel Ashby (527 digs) is all over the floor, while sophomore Milena Miladinovic (118 blocks) has stepped into a larger role.
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However, Stratford will have their work cut out for them when facing the monster out of Dallas-Fort Worth -- Byron Nelson.
Making their first State appearance since 2019 -- a year in which they took the UIL-6A Title -- the Bobcats are the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
They could give legitimately compete with college teams, given their considerable stature and capability.
With coach Brianne Groth at the helm, Byron Nelson has lost a mere 8 sets in 40 games this Fall, most recently sweeping College Park in the State Semis, to bring their record to a near-perfect 39-1.
Washington-commit Kylie Kleckner (573 kills, 297 digs) and Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (468 kills, 304 digs) form a dynamic duo in the kill-department, while sophomore Sophee Peterson (1,432 assists, 194 kills), Kaitlyn Francis (385 digs), and Emily Houskneht (323 digs) further bolster a loaded Bobcats roster.
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Both these programs are enjoying monumental seasons. But, who will ultimately be crowned champion? Tune in Saturday (4:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center to find out.
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Too Fast: Byron Nelson Girls Track
Northwest ISD athletics is home to plenty of stellar athletes and incredible programs. One of the programs truly soaring this season is the Byron Nelson Bobcats girls' track team. On the quest to bring home gold medals at the end of the season, the Lady Bobcats have remained focused each meet.
Led by some of the top performers in the area, Byron Nelson track has been continuing its excellence all season. Most recently, the Lady Bobcats finished as area champions in the 6A Area Track Meet. The team saw incredible individual performances from the likes of Bryce Brazzell (who posted a 24.40 PR in the 200m), Jess Reyes (who posted a 57.76 PR in the 400m and a 2:12.66 PR in the 800m), Vimed Diba (who posted a 58.09 PR in the 400m), and Mirna Rosado (who posted a 16.31 PR in the 100m Hurdles - 33"). In team performances, Byron Nelson shined with performances from the 4x100 Relay team made up of Julia Schoenewald, B. Brazzell, Kylee Ortiz, and Jessica Makayabo with a 47.22 finish. Diba, Ortiz, Schoenewald, and Lily McDowell led the charge in the 4x200 Relay with a 1:39.96 finish. Diba, Ortiz, Schoenewald and Reyes also took charge in the 4x400 Relay with a 3:58.10 finish.
Field events have also been working hard at Byron Nelson this season as Schoenewald posted a 17'6 PR in long jump at the area meet.
Be sure you keep an eye on the Lady Bobcats as they continue to work their way to the UIL Class 6A Track Meet later this season!
Northwest ISD Athletics