GAMES
RANKINGS
THE PINNACLE: UIL Volleyball State Final Preview -- Cedar Park vs. Wakeland (5A-D2)
What a year it has been for Cedar Park.
After being eliminated in the foundational rounds of the playoffs over the past few seasons, the Timberwolves (34-15) now see themselves in the UIL State Final for the first time since 2016.
This feat was accomplished on the heels of their 3-1 victory over fellow Austin-area contender Georgetown earlier this week, and there are plenty of flowers to distribute among head coach Lori McLaughlin, her staff, and, of course, the players who made it happen.
Offensive production has been in ample supply, thanks to the efforts of Joy Udoye (571 kills, 349 digs), Mya Cheatum (391 kills), and Sofia Peters (380 kills, 111 blocks).
However, that's not to dismiss the help they've received from the back-line, which is bolstered by the talents of Katelyn Hughes (712 assists, 374 digs), Anna Kurz (447 digs, 134 assists), Sibley Oster (652 assists), and freshman Blake Gilkey (449 receptions, 241 digs).
...
On the other side of the net, out of Frisco, TX, Wakeland is making their UIL State Final-debut, following their five-set win against Argyle on Tuesday night.
Given the point they're currently at, the Wolverines (34-6) -- under the direction of coach U'iLani Womble -- are obviously in the midst of the finest performance the program has ever seen.
The No. 12-ranked (No. 22, nationally) team in Texas, according to MaxPreps, is firing on all cylinders at this moment.
Considering that volleyball is a team sport, it's only natural that numerous individuals should receive some praise for this feat.
LSU-commit Hannah Lee (459 kills), and seniors Bella Wood (Sam Houston State // 382 kills) and Sarah Pfiffner (West Virginia // 774 assists, 262 kills, 331 digs) make up the three-headed monster for Wakeland, in terms of star-power.
They're complemented by the talents of Aubree Fernandez (659 digs), Jaleah Bauss (518 assists), and Emerson Jones (68 blocks), which makes them a well-rounded rotation worth fearing.
...
This will be undoubtedly be a State match worth watching. Don't miss out when they go head-to-head Saturday (12:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX.
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE UIL VOLLEYBALL STATE BRACKETS
STATE SEMIFINALS: Protecting a Legacy, Frisco Wakeland preps for Leander Glenn
Continuing to add to their legacy in their seventh state tournament appearance in nine seasons, the Frisco Wakeland Wolverines are geared up and ready to go in the state semifinals against Leander Glenn. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far:
The Season So Far
Going 10-2-2 in district play, the team boasts an 18-5-3 overall record so far this season. The team opened their season with strong outings against North Mesquite (4-0), Eastlake (2-1), Richardson Berkner (3-0), and others before opening their district schedule. Once in district play, the Wolverines relied on the talent of athletes like Davis Word, Jack Coffman, Thomas Hayes, Mayank Dutta, Noah Pehr, Tripp Watson, Frank Miller, and others to continue their hot streak over district opponents.
Through district play, the team rallied together to overcome tough moments while playing against some of the tougher area opponents. Defeating talented squads like Carrollton Newman Smith (5-0), Frisco Lone Star (3-0), Carrollton Creekviw (4-0), Carrollton R.L. Turner (2-1), and more, this team knew that they were able to pull together in dire moments in order to make incredible things happen on the field as well as record talented victories; securing their place in the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, Wakeland amped up their momentum, allowing only one goal to be scored against them in five matches. Sending home Frisco Liberty, Mesquite Poteet, Prosper Walnut Grove, McKinney North, and West Mesquite before punching their ticket to the state tournament.
What To Expect
With five titles already to their name, the team has been able to showcase their talents without hesitation on the biggest stage in Texas high school soccer already; posting back-to-back victories in 2021 and 2022 as well as in 2017 and 2018 (their fifth title 14 years ago in 2010). Resilient, focused, and stronger than ever, this Wakeland team can be expected to be ready to take on what might be their toughest challenge this season in Leander Glenn. Fans can expect the Wolverines to pace themselves as they look to punch another ticket to the state title game.
The game is slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Birkelback Field in Georgetown, Texas!