GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Dawson Volleyball
TIME IS NOW: No. 15 Dawson wants to punch first-ever ticket to State
PEARLAND DAWSON IS THAT PROGRAM IN HOUSTON THAT MAKES DEEP PLAYOFF RUNS YEAR AFTER YEAR.
Entering the 2023 campaign, the Eagles are on a streak of six-straight Regional Tournament appearances. Pearland Dawson last reached the Regional Finals in 2018 and look to get back there this Fall as it tries to punch its first-ever ticket to the UIL State Tournament.
Lauren Leth (345 career wins) enters her sixth season (180-37) of leading Pearland Dawson. This year, Leth returns just four starters.
Addison Moss (Boise State – Beach) will run the offense from the setter position. Moss was named the District 23-6A co-Newcomer of the Year after registering 890 assists, 281 digs and 167 kills in 2022 for the Eagles.
First-team, all-district outside hitter Kennedy Jones is also back after clocking 196 kills and 84 blocks a year ago.
Other names to remember include Lauren Kerr (134 kills), Makenzie Petten, Reese Loyd (39 aces) and Emmarie McFarland.
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Dawson could be headed to state
Stars on display in Class 6A Region III tournament
The Wheeler Fieldhouse will host the Class 6A, Region III tournament as Houston's Final Four do battle.
There is a ton of star power with Under Armour All-Americans and college commits all over the court.
So, who gets out of the Region?
...
Ridge Point Panthers (44-4) vs Dawson Eagles (43-4)
Ding… Ding…
It's the second Regional Playoff meeting for Dawson and Ridge Point. Last year, the Panthers swept Dawson in the finals to go to their first ever state tournament. Gone are Skylar Fields and Kennedi Johnson, who now play at Texas and Baylor, respectively. Both are loaded again. Under Armour All-Americans headline Ridge Point in Reagan Rutherford (Kentucky), Nia McCardell (Rice) and Claire Jeter (Texas A&M). Tiana Davis, Randee Hennings, Lindsey Ogle and Alexis Roberson all had over 130 kills on the season to support the stars. Brittany Ong helps on defense and Kendall Sekula helps with assists. Can you say LOADED?
Coach Lauren Leth has Dawson humming again this season with a 43-4 record. The Eagles have some serious fire-power with hitters Alexia Jones (402 kills), Nicole Deslatte (290 killls), Aliyah McDonald (259 kills), Kylie Nance (237 kills) and Madison Deslatte (219 kills). Dahlia Mills is the defensive standout, while Kamryn Scoggins runs the offense from the setting spot.
The last game that Dawson lost was August 31 st to… Ridge Point.
PREDICTION: Dawson gets revenge and advances. Will advance to STATE!
…
Cy-Fair Bobcats (36-10) vs Deer Park Deer (40-9)
They are back… It's been since 2013 that Cy-Fair has made the regional tournament. The Bobcats are led by legendary head coach Donna Benotti (700 wins) and a pair of lethal hitters. Rebekah Portalatin and Lauryn Bourne combined for 1,100 kills this season. Julia Chew is the top setter but Portalatin has over 500 assists as well. The key to Cy-Fair has always been defense and this year is no different. Bourne' lead the team in digs with 584, followed by Portalatin with 563 and Annie Leliste with 559.
Balance, balance, balance. The Deer have six players with at least 130 kills on the season. The leader is dual-sport star Courtney Plocheck, who led the team with 433 kills. Pheobe Stigen had 385 and Hannah Baker had 342 kills. Katelyn Mallett is the top blocker, while Baker is the top defensive specialist. Senior Peyton Nance run the offense with over 830 assists. It's been since 2001 that Deer Park was in the Regional Tourney. In 2005, the Deer went to state.
So, what gives?
PREDICTION: Cy-Fair advances as their defense keeps them in the match