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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Lucas Lovejoy returns to the state tournament
An outstanding 13 appearances in the state tournament and nine victories (one six-victory streak between 2008 and 2014 and one three-peat in 2019-21), the team is making their return to the state tournament in a semifinal showdown against Lamar Fulshear. Having missed the state tournament last season, the team is ready to get back to their regular dominance with hopes of a 10th title for the program. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and what fans can expect on Friday:
Regular Season Play
On a mission to make it back to playoffs and then back to the state tournament, Lucas Lovejoy prepped for a long road. The start to their season was a bit of a roller coaster as they posted victories and losses, highs and lows. Playing against tough teams, the Lady Leopards polished up and became battle-tested throughout the entirety of non-district play. Defeating Denton Guyer (3-1), Glen Rose (2-0), Baldwin (2-0), Boswell (2-0), Southlake Carroll (2-1), Justin Northwest (2-0), and more, Lovejoy entered district play ready to take down any opponent who stood in their way of the playoffs.
Posting an undefeated district record (12-0) and a first-place finish in their district standings, the team went 33-2 in sets against their district opponents. The two sets dropped came in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over McKinney North to close out district play. Led by Gentry Barker, Shelby Burriss, Skylar Jackson, Anna Barr, Sadie Jane Hand, McKenna Brand, and other focused athletes, the team posted district victories over Denison, Sherman, Melissa, Greenville, and more en route to the playoffs.
Playoffs So Far
Without ever looking back, Lovejoy entered the playoffs ready to get the job done. First up, the Lady Leopards took down Lancaster in a 3-0 sweep followed by a 3-1 victory over Whitehouse. The team then faced a tough Forney squad, but came out unscathed in a 3-0 victory before defeating Frisco Wakeland and Frisco Reedy to punch their ticket back to the state tournament.
What To Expect
This appearance will be Lamar Fulshear's third in the state tournament (2019, '20). Two seasons removed, the team is more than ready to showcase tremendous talent on the court with athletes like Bailey Warren, Lauren Witte, Avery Pruitt, Yosola Adeleke, and more. A tough team all around, Fulshear (40-4, 14-0) has allowed only 19 sets to be won against them all season long. This team is going to be Lovejoy's truest test yet... and on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball.
Fans can expect impactful plays guiding the way for both Fulshear and Lovejoy on Friday. Two powerhouse programs in the state-- one a recent history, one a long-standing history-- going head-to-head in the state semifinals with a common goal is sure to leave everyone wanting more. Be sure you catch all the action. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.
District Preview: Lovejoy prepared for a statement season
Usually strong Lucas Lovejoy Lady Leopards are back at it this season. Looking to show up all of their competition, Lovejoy is geared up and ready to showcase their talent on the court once more. Last season, the team posted a great record (27-17 overall) with a playoff run to be proud of and this season they're looking to dominate the floor once again. VYPE DFW dives into their season so far
Non-District
So far, the team has posted a 14-9 overall record through non-district play. Using each moment to prepare for the next, the Lady Leopards have been powering over their opponents-- outscoring other teams by a combined 16 sets. With big victories over the likes of Denton Guyer, Glen Rose, Hawaii's Baldwin, Fort Worth Boswell, Grapevine, and more, athletes like Kennedy Adcock, Shelby Burriss, McKenna Brand, Anna Barr, Morgan Vanvoorhis, Nicole Cornell, Kalin Carlson, and others are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure more Lucas Lovejoy success this season. On a three-game win streak, Lovejoy plays their final non-district game on Tuesday, September 5th on the road against Keller.
District
Prepped for district play, Lucas Lovejoy opens their district schedule on Friday, September 8th on the road against a tough Melissa team. As the athletes gear up for what could be a dominant district-run, they are also preparing for dominance through playoffs. Lucas Lovejoy is no stranger to tough competitors. With plenty of state titles on their resume and athletes who have already played on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball, fans can expect this squad to succeed with passion and a drive to finish the season strong.