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STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Colleyville Heritage looks toward Liberty Hill
Last season, the Colleyville Heritage Lady Panthers played in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance. Taking the court by storm, the team secured a title victory to seal their season in the most perfect way possible. This season, the team is back on the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball and ready to give their opponents a run for their money. Friday morning features a UIL Class 5A Semifinal pairing between Colleyville Heritage and Liberty Hill. VYPE DFW dives right into the Lady Panthers' season and what fans can expect:
Regular Season Play
Despite losing their opening match of the season to Southlake Carroll, the team was geared up and ready to bounce right back going for a nine-game win streak over Midlothian, Hereford, Midland Legacy, Paschal, Tascosa, and others. Through non-district play, the Lady Panthers faced off against tough teams who were sure to challenge them and prepare them for the road back to state. Sharpening their skills, the team posted victories over Frisco Liberty, Frisco Wakeland, Dawson, Hebron San Antonio Reagan, Prosper (who is playing in their own semifinal on Friday as well), and others before marching into district play.
Led by the determination and grit of athletes Suli Ane Davis, Maddie Bird, Audrey Popp, Onita Davis, Sarah Mendoza, Amagine Gardner, and others, the team faced down their district schedule without batting an eye. Despite two losses in district play, Colleyville Heritage posted a 12-2 district record and finished second in their district standings-- just behind a hard-to-beat Argyle team. Tough district victories were seen against Grapevine (3-0), Denton (3-2), Richland (3-0), Lake Dallas (3-0), Denton Ryan (3-0)m and more en route to the playoffs.
Playoffs So Far
Knowing they had to enter the playoffs with intensity, sureness, and a mental focus, the Lady Panthers looked toward Midlothian Heritage for their first round. Posting a a 3-0 victory was enough for Colleyville Heritage to know that they had everything it took to fight all the way to the finish through the rest of the playoffs. The team went on to defeat Aledo (3-1), Tascosa (3-0), and sealed their entry to the state tournament with a sweep over Argyle. Entering the state tournament on a 13-game win streak and having outscored their opponents by a combined 65 sets, Colleyville Heritage is more than prepared to take on a tough Liberty Hill team.
What To Expect
Liberty Hill (45-8, 13-1) is not a team that is going to be taken down without a fight. Led by tough athletes like Taylor Gaines, Kealy Dirner, Giovanna Mason, Ava Kostroun, and more, Colleyville Heritage is going to want to be sure to remain vigilant on the court at all times throughout the semifinals. Appearing in their fifth state tournament, Liberty Hill is no stranger to doing their job and doing it well.
Fans can expect a high-energy matchup on Friday morning. With athletes who are tremendous in their own right on each side of the net, this game is going to come down to the wire through each set. Be sure you catch all the action. The match is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.
UIL STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Celina vs. Needville volleyball
The Celina Lady Bobcats started their season leading the VYPE DFW 1A-4A Volleyball rankings. Taking all expectations set for them and running, the Lady Bobcats have not disappointed this season. Celina has worked hard every second of the season and now finds themselves only one game away from a State Title match. The only team standing between them and the state finale? Needville. Before the first serve goes over the net, though, let's take a look at what fans should expect in this semifinal pairing.
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Celina Bobcats (41-1, 12-0)
Celina has posted an incredible season. The Lady Bobcats went undefeated (12-0) in district play while posting only one loss the entire season with a 41-1 overall record. Their only loss came against an extremely competitive Gunter squad who finds themselves in the UIL Class 3A title game.
The defense has played outstandingly as the Lady Bobcats have lost only nine sets the entire season. Of Celina's 41 wins, 36 of them have been complete sweeps. Coming into the state semis on a 20-game win-streak definitely has the Bobcats ready to show everything they have on the court. Not only has the defense played incredible, but this Bobcats offense has proven to be nearly unstoppable the entire season. Fans can expect to see a strong Lady Bobcats squad that is ready to advance.
Needville Bluejays (33-12, 12-0)
Needville has posted a great season so far finishing at the top of their district with an undefeated district record (12-0). Posting big wins over the likes of Dobie, Cypress Lakes, Huntsville, and more, the Bluejays shouldn't be counted out as they enter the State Semifinals.
Needville has strong athletes who play great on both the front and back rows. Fans can expect to see the team come out ready to put up a fight in order to do everything they can to advance to the state championship match. With a great group of seniors, the team is poised and ready to show just what kind of muscle they have on the court.
What to Expect:
Needville is a strong team and will be one of the toughest opponents Celina has seen all season. Celina will need to go into this match without getting too far ahead of themselves or too into their own heads about it. Both teams are going to come out fast-paced and attempt to stay neck-and-neck in scoring. Celina has what it takes to take down Needville, but they will need to stay on their toes and energized to complete the win.