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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Gunter braces for Columbus
Four consecutive appearances in the UIL state tournament and after winning the whole thing last season, the Gunter Lady Tigers are back on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball. Geared up and ready to give it everything they have in the UIL Class 3A State Semifinals, Gunter is braced for Columbus. VYPE DFW takes a look at Gunter's season so far, how they got here, and what fans can expect in this Thursday morning semifinal matchup!
Regular Season Play
Gunter has remained steady and focused since winning the state championship trophy last season. Entering this season poised and dominant, the Lady Tigers recorded a five-game win streak to start their season on the right foot. Despite 11 losses in non-district play, Gunter showcased tremendous power on the court derived from their ability to read their opponents and respond as a unit. The team defeated the likes of Frisco Lone Star, Frisco, Frisco Independence, China Spring, Hutto, and more before opening their district schedule.
Once district play began, there was no turning back for the Lady Tigers. Posting an incredible, undefeated district record (12-0), Gunter shut out 11 of their 12 district opponents and dropped only one set in district play during a 3-1 victory over Celina. Led by Avery Hale, Grace Dainauski, Berkeley Caple, Brelee Mauldin, Makena Fady, and other talented athletes, Gunter posted huge victories over Howe, Bonham, Leonard, Pottsboro, and more through district securing a first-place finish in their district standings, and another entry into the playoffs.
Playoffs So Far
Throughout five playoff games, Gunter has shut out four opponents (Pattonville Prairiland, Edgewood, White Oak, and Ponder). The other victory came in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Boyd. Battling through tough moments and showcasing excellent resiliency, Gunter has proven that they have what it takes to get back to this stage of volleyball. Having outscored their opponents in sets by a combined 93-33, Gunter is as ready as ever to enter the state semifinal matchup on a high note.
What To Expect
Gunter is meticulous in their play on the court. Noticing every move their opponent attempts to make, the game IQ is high for the Lady Tigers. Fans can expect this team to truly put in the work and play hard against Columbus. Columbus (43-5, 14-0) is going to be challenging for the Lady Tigers. Respected in their district with athletes like Ally Tribe, Ember Mandola, Gracie Schobel, Claire Klausmeyer, and more, Columbus is in their sixth state tournament appearance, third in three seasons and hungry for a victory.
Fans can expect this to be a high-energy match with a lot of big plays on the court. Be sure to check out all the action. Play begins at 11 a.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.
PREVIEW: Gunter Tigers ready to go back-to-back
After winning state last season, there's no doubt as to why Gunter has made their appearance yet again on the VYPE DFW 1A-4A Preseason Football Rankings. Ready to hit the ground running this season, Gunter is looking to get started on their road to a back-to-back state title run. First, they have to make it through non-district and district play. VYPE DFW dives into what fans an expect this season.
REWIND
Posting a completely undefeated record last season, the year started off with a forfeited victory over Allen's Nike Dallas FC to open their season. The rest of their non-district schedule saw victories over Cedar Hill's Trinity Leadership (67-6), Trinity Chrisitan Academy - Addison (41-0), Brock (59-7), and Gladewater. Entering district play on a high note, the team posted victory after victory including three consecutive shut-out victories over Lone Oak (85-0), Leonard (56-0), and Bue Ridge (49-0). Finishing at the top of their district standings with an undefeated 10-0 overall record (5-0 in district play), the team bounced right into playoffs.
In playoffs, the Tigers showed no signs of struggling or faltering. Dedicated to the task at hand, Gunter defeated Jacksboro (48-7), Palmer (40-6), Holliday (31-7), Canadian (21-20), and eventually Poth (42-7) for the UIL Class 3A State Title.
LOOKING AHEAD
Brayden Hinton, Walker Overman, Colin Peacock, Jace Martin, Cannon Lemberg, Cade Dodson, Kane Bolt, Mitchell Gage, Cole Harpole, Major Thornhill, Brock Boddie, Dylan Tokarz, and more are fired up this season and ready to get a jump on their schedule. Looking to secure another state title, the team can be expected to work hard on and off the field to make their goals a reality.
Opening the schedule on Friday, August 25th at home against Cornerstone Christian, Gunter fans can expect to see this team start strong. They will continue to play hard as they face off against other non-district opponents like Prosper Walnut Grove, TCA, Brock, and more before entering district play at home against Bells.