Photo by VYPE Media's Bradley Collier.
You've already seen the VYPE Austin preseason public school volleyball rankings, so it's time to learn about the dark horses. Check out the team breakdowns below, and look for more preseason coverage in the coming days!
Thrall Tigerettes (Reached 2018 UIL 2A Region IV Quarterfinal)
Thrall won 24 games en route to a 2018 UIL 2A Region IV Quarterfinal finish, and is aiming for another multi-round playoff appearance in 2019. The Tigerettes will lean on a deep senior class that includes Riley Krenek, a versatile leader who predominantly serves as an outside hitter. The other Class of 2020 prospects include Kailey Hoffman, McKenna Knapek, Chandra Reed, Angelyna Leschber and Kelly Copeland.
Little River Academy Lady Bees (Reached 2018 UIL 3A Region III Quarterfinal)
Little River Academy played in the 2018 UIL 3A Region III Quarterfinal, and plans to record another multi-round playoff appearance in 2019. The Lady Bees have all-state outside hitter Aubrey Fossett, who's a senior like defensive specialist/libero Kinley Yepma, middle hitter Aubrey Cosper, opposite hitter Savannah Vansa and setter Paysee Crow.
Georgetown Gateway College Preparatory School Gators (Reached 2018 UIL 3A Area Round)
Georgetown Gateway College Preparatory School is coming off a 2018 trip to the UIL 3A area round, and plans to use its experienced group of returning players to clinch another playoff berth in 2019. The Gators are led by middle blocker Hannah Miller, who's a senior like Addison LeCates, Kailyn Blanton, Kaitlyn Webb, Nive Abraham, Ryleigh Wilcox and Julia Vandagriff.
Fredericksburg Battlin' Billies (Reached 2018 UIL 4A Area Round)
Fredericksburg has advanced to 12 consecutive UIL postseasons, and has the necessary returning talent to extend that streak in 2019. The Battlin' Billies are led by right side hitter Megan Jinright and outside hitter Avery Stevens because they're both Hendrix College commits. Setter Jacie Spies and libero Karlie Nebgen also provide important depth to the team's roster.
Rogers Eagles (Reached 2018 UIL 3A Area Round)
Rogers played in two UIL 3A playoff games in 2018, so it knows what the expectation is for the 2019 season. The Eagles have a top tier talent in Sabrina Tuerck, who's back as a middle hitter. They will also be in good shape this year because she's a member of a strong senior class that includes Meghan Malcik, Itati Arzola, Ashley Carpenter and Shelby Bruggman.
Weimar Wildcats (Reached 2018 UIL 2A Area Round)
Weimar has advanced to 20 consecutive UIL postseasons, so everyone knows what the end goal is for the 2019 season. Coach Amanda Machicek scheduled a tough slate of games to prepare the Wildcats for another run, so the leadership of setter/left side hitter Malarie Mican, middle blockers Kennedy Kohen and Tori Janak, and left side hitter Skylar Hegar, plus consistent play from the entire roster, will drive the team to another successful campaign.
Round Top-Carmine Cubettes (Reached 2018 UIL 1A Region IV Semifinal)
Round Top-Carmine marched to the UIL 1A Region IV Semifinal in 2018, so it has high expectations for the 2019 season. The Cubettes will be led by all-state senior Megan Krause, but also need additional players to step up to match last year's success.
Rockdale Lady Tigers (Missed 2018 UIL 3A postseason)
Rockdale may have missed the 2018 UIL 3A postseason in 2018, but is on the area's radar going into the 2019 season. That's because the Lady Tigers have an all-state talent in Reese Weise. The setter's back for her senior year, so she also has the necessary leadership qualities and experience to lead her team to the playoffs.
Burnet Lady Dawgs (Reached 2018 UIL 4A Bi-District Round)
Burnet heated up late in district play and finished as a UIL 4A bi-district finalist in 2018, so it's a team to watch in 2019. Expect the Lady Dawgs to inch closer to a playoff win because they have notable returning players in senior libero Inez Rayas and junior outside hitter Karissa Killebrew.
Elgin Lady Cats (Missed 2018 UIL 5A postseason)
Elgin missed the UIL 5A postseason in 2018, but plans on moving closer in 2019. Expect upperclassmen Marti Roper and Morgan Heine to use their experience and talent to put the Lady Cats on a winning track this season. Roper is a senior right side hitter and Heine is a junior middle blocker.
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.
