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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Celina geared up to battle Davenport
After missing the state tournament last year, Celina is back for their second tournament appearance. The Lady Bobcats have put forth the amount of effort necessary to be not only one of the best 4A volleyball teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but one of the best in the entire state. VYPE DFW takes a look at Celina's road to state and what fans can expect out of this Thursday semifinal pairing with Comal Davenport.
Regular Season Play
With only eight losses this season, Celina has been working hard to make it back to the stage they were on just two seasons ago in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance (2021). After not making it to this stage last year, Celina knew they were hungry for more and entered the season with four consecutive victories over Ponder, Lubbock Cooper, Chisholm Trail, and Lake Worth. Continuing to battle through non-district play, the Lady Bobcats sharpened their skills against tough opponents like Sunnyvale, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, Denton, Springtown, North Lamar, and more. The team even faced off against reigning 3A state champion, Gunter-- who is on their own quest for another state title this season. Finishing non-district play strong, Celina was powered up and ready for district play.
Through district play, Celina dropped only one match-- a hard-fought 3-1 showdown against Aubrey. Aside from their loss, the team utilized strong athletes like Morgan Kelley, Kinley Hammons, McKenna Paulson, Landry Graf, Ryan McCoy, Ashley Woodrum, Kinsey Murray, Reagan Radtke, Aubrey Lamber, and more in statement victories over the likes of Anna, Panther Creek, Ranchview, Van Alstyne, and more to finish at the top of their district standings with a 10-1 district record.
Playoffs So Far
So far in the playoffs, Celina has shut out four of their five opponents. Defeating Dallas Hampton Prep, Ferris, Van Alstyne, and Lindale, the Lady Bobcats geared up for a revenge match against Aubrey. Working hard and showcasing talent on the court, the team pulled off a 3-1 victory in sets over Aubrey to advance to this season's UIL Class 4A Volleyball State Semifinal match against Comal Davenport. Up to this point, the team has remained strong with impressive plays and has outscored their opponents by a combined 95-37 sets this season.
What To Expect
Celina has a fire in their heart and the right amount of determination to succeed in the semifinals this season and only one team stands in their way of punching their ticket to the state finals-- Comal Davenport (45-5, 12-0). Davenport has had an incredible season with an undefeated district run and statement victories of their own. The Lady Bobcats are going to want to keep a watchful eye on Davenport's top athletes like Talan Dodson, Ashtan Dodson, Alexis Dahl, Emily Williams, Ryan Kovacs, Ophelia Murphy, and more this Thursday on the court in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance.
Lady Bobcat fans can expect this team to bring the action and put in great plays against their opponents. This match can be expected to be highly physical with great game IQ from both sides of the net. Be sure you catch all the action. The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.
UIL STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Celina vs. Needville volleyball
The Celina Lady Bobcats started their season leading the VYPE DFW 1A-4A Volleyball rankings. Taking all expectations set for them and running, the Lady Bobcats have not disappointed this season. Celina has worked hard every second of the season and now finds themselves only one game away from a State Title match. The only team standing between them and the state finale? Needville. Before the first serve goes over the net, though, let's take a look at what fans should expect in this semifinal pairing.
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Celina Bobcats (41-1, 12-0)
Celina has posted an incredible season. The Lady Bobcats went undefeated (12-0) in district play while posting only one loss the entire season with a 41-1 overall record. Their only loss came against an extremely competitive Gunter squad who finds themselves in the UIL Class 3A title game.
The defense has played outstandingly as the Lady Bobcats have lost only nine sets the entire season. Of Celina's 41 wins, 36 of them have been complete sweeps. Coming into the state semis on a 20-game win-streak definitely has the Bobcats ready to show everything they have on the court. Not only has the defense played incredible, but this Bobcats offense has proven to be nearly unstoppable the entire season. Fans can expect to see a strong Lady Bobcats squad that is ready to advance.
Needville Bluejays (33-12, 12-0)
Needville has posted a great season so far finishing at the top of their district with an undefeated district record (12-0). Posting big wins over the likes of Dobie, Cypress Lakes, Huntsville, and more, the Bluejays shouldn't be counted out as they enter the State Semifinals.
Needville has strong athletes who play great on both the front and back rows. Fans can expect to see the team come out ready to put up a fight in order to do everything they can to advance to the state championship match. With a great group of seniors, the team is poised and ready to show just what kind of muscle they have on the court.
What to Expect:
Needville is a strong team and will be one of the toughest opponents Celina has seen all season. Celina will need to go into this match without getting too far ahead of themselves or too into their own heads about it. Both teams are going to come out fast-paced and attempt to stay neck-and-neck in scoring. Celina has what it takes to take down Needville, but they will need to stay on their toes and energized to complete the win.