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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.
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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.
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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.
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THIS IS SPARTA: Several play-makers return for No. 17 Stratford
NO. 17 -- STRATFORD SPARTANS
Head Coach: Jenny Adcock
2023: 38-8/Area Finalists
THE SPARTANS ARE FRESH OFF A NICE 38-WIN CAMPAIGN IN 2023.
Led by ninth-year coach Jenny Adcock (175-142 at Stratford; 304 career coaching wins), Stratford brings back three starters off a team that reached the Area Round, including Sarah Hickman.
The District 17-6A and GHVCA Newcomer of the Year from last season is also a four-time USA National Team Development Program Invite and USA U-19 Team selection.
Others to remember include Audrey Cook (1st-Team, All-District, AVCA Phenom), Gwen Koss (AVCA Phenom) and Avery Kent (All-District Honorable Mention).
Keys to success, according to Adcock, are “ball control” and “offensive decisions”.