GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
...
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.
...
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.
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE UIL VOLLEYBALL STATE BRACKETS
THE PINNACLE: UIL Volleyball State Final Preview -- Bellville vs. Decatur (4A-D1)
As we touched on in their State Semis preview, it's been no secret that Bellville is a perennial title-contender, dating back to 1984, when they won it all in their State-debut.
19 appearances in the UIL State Tournament over the past four decades speaks for itself. But, this particular group just seems special.
The Brahmanettes (44-5) took down the reigning UIL-4A champion Davenport in a five-set thriller on Tuesday, giving coach Susan Brewer and company the opportunity to capture the program's first championship since 2005.
Considering the level of play that Bellville has maintained throughout this Fall, knocking off any challenger that comes in their path, it appears that the title is theirs to lose.
However, Decatur might have something to say about that.
...
In each of the previous five times (2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021) that they have reached the State-level of the playoffs, the Eagles have stepped off the court as UIL champions.
After sweeping Celina on Tuesday night, Decatur (31-13) now intends to go 6-for-6, under the direction of coach Stormi Snider.
Despite the odds, this squad has subverted expectations time and time again, which means they are not to be underestimated at this stage.
...
In what could easily be a five-setter, these two Class 4A juggernauts will face each other Friday night (6:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center, with championship glory on the line.