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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Battle-tested Prosper to face Conroe Grand Oaks
Prosper returns to the state tournament after winning the whole thing in 2017 and not making it to this stage since. Ready to show that they are back, victorious as ever, and ready to seal the deal on another successful season, the Lady Eagles have fought valiantly through their season. VYPE DFW takes a look at their road to state and what fans can expect on Friday heading into the semifinal pairing with Conroe Grand Oaks:
Regular Season Play
Led by Ayden Ames, Reese Renfrow, Sydney Thornton, Jayla Jackson, Audrey Hunt, Keely Harrington, Sophie Bridges, Allie Duitsman, Hannah Beauford, and other talented athletes, Prosper has been posting dominant victories from the start of their season when they opened with a 3-0 sweep over Frisco Independence. Posting other non-district victories over tough programs like Arlington Martin (3-0), Grapevine (3-0), Frisco Wakeland (3-1), Weatherford (2-0), Rockwall (2-1), Lucas Lovejoy (2-1-- who is playing in their own state semifinal on Friday), Flower Bluff (2-0), Allen (2-0), and more, the Lady Eagles were able to face and overcome challenges before district play even began.
Posting a 12-2 district record to finish second in their district standings-- just behind a strong McKinney Boyd Lady Broncos team-- Prosper's only two district losses came in matches against the Lady Broncos. Focusing on resiliency and power, Prosper defeated Denton Guyer, Prosper Rock Hill, Denton Braswell, McKinney, and more throughout the rest of their district play.
Playoffs So Far
Amping up their play for the playoffs, Prosper regrouped and was prepared for anything to come their way as they entered the first round against Plano West. Posting a 3-0 victory, the team moved on to an intense battle against Arlington Martin. Dedicated, focused, and determined, the Lady Eagles secured a 3-2 victory over Arlington Martin and continued to advance. Defeating Plano East (3-0), Southlake Carroll (3-0), and Flower Mound (3-0), Prosper punched their ticket to the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball: the state tournament!
What To Expect
Conroe Grand Oaks (48-1, 16-0) has lost only one game this season while outscoring their opponents 121-7. In fact, out of 48 victories this season, 43 of them were won in sweeps. Incredible athletes like Samara Coleman, Halle Thompson, Jaela Auguste, Caelyn Emmerling, and others make up this squad as they enter the program's first-ever state tournament appearance.
Fans can expect a fast-paced game. Grand Oaks is going to put up the toughest battle that Prosper has seen all season. Prosper will have to remain on their toes and vigilant if they want to pull off a major victory and head back to the state title match. Jam-packed with action, fans aren't going to want to take their eyes off of this UIL Class 6A State Semifinal match! The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.
PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: Arlington Martin gears up for Prosper volleyball
Matches intensify as various teams continue into the Texas High School Volleyball Playoffs. For the Prosper Lady Eagles and Arlington Martin Lady Warriors, fans are anticipating a tough showdown on Friday night. VYPE DFW takes a look into both teams and lays out exactly what fans can expect heading into this round two matchup:
Arlington Martin Lady Warriors (25-12, 14-0)
The Lady Warriors put in the work all season to get to this point. Through non-district play, Arlington Martin went 11-12 with hard-fought victories over Richland, Fort Bend Austin, New Braunfels, Kerrville Tivy, Granbury, and more. As the team headed into district play, they knew they would have to kick it into high-gear as they faced off against tough opponents.
Through district play, the Lady Warriors remained undefeated. In fact, the team dropped only one set against their district opponents all season long. With statement victories over the likes of Arlington Lamar, Grand Prairie, South Grand Prairie, and more, Arlington Martin put themselves on the map and headed into playoffs.
Natalia Newsome, Abby Smith, Brooke Perry, Ashley Awuor, Lauren Adams, Kalei Davis, and other talented athletes lead the charge on the court for the Lady Warriors. Already sending Richardson home last week with a 3-0 sweep, the Lady Warriors are looking to continue their win streak as they face a tough Prosper squad.
Prosper Lady Eagles (33-9, 12-2)
With a 33-9 overall record, the Prosper Lady Eagles went 21-7 in non-district play. Posting outstanding victories over Frisco Independence, Wylie, Grapevine, Frisco Wakeland, Frisco Liberty, Weatherford, Rockwall, and more, the Lady Eagles have been showcasing their talent on the court from the start of the season. Heading into district play, the team was well prepared for anything that was going to be thrown at them.
With the drive to succeed paired with focus and determination, athletes like Ayden Ames, Sydney Thornton, Reese Renfrow, Jayla Jackson, Audrey Hunt, Keely Harrington, Hannah Beauford, Sophie Bridges, and more stepped up during district play and focused on getting their job done. With big-time victories over the likes of Denton Guyer, Denton Braswell, McKinney, Little Elm, Allen, and more, the team dropped only two matches through district play before heading into the playoffs.
So far in playoffs, the Lady Eagles have sent Plano West packing during a round one 3-0 sweep. Prosper looks to pull out all the stop against an Arlington Martin team they have already beaten this season.
What To Expect
Having already faced each other in early August, both teams are willing to do what it takes to make it to the next level. Arlington Martin is looking for revenge after falling 3-0 to Prosper already this season. Knowing what to watch for and on a high from their win streak, the Lady Warriors are going to be a tough squad on the court. On the other hand, Prosper knows what they're doing and is no stranger to a challenge. Resilient and focused, the Lady Eagles can be expected to remain steady throughout the game on Friday with the drive to set the tone early.
The match is set to begin at 6:30 PM on Friday, November 3rd at the neutral site of Hebron High School.