In their fifth consecutive state tournament appearance (out of 6 total: 2017, '19, '20, '21, '22, '23), the Blum Lady Bobcats have added another state title to their resume. The team fought valiantly and finished strong to fend off a comeback from Harrold. VYPE DFW takes a look at the triumphant season:
Regular Season Play
Coming off of a high after winning the program's first state championship in 2022, the Blum Lady Bobcats went on a five-game win streak to begin their season with victories over Lorena (3-0), Blanco (2-0), Lumberton (2-0), Kaufman (2-0), and Godley (2-0). Continuing through non-district play, the team focused their efforts on getting better moment by moment in order to always stay prepared. With victories over Crowley, Midlothian Heritage, Celina (who is playing in the 4A Semifinals on Thursday evening), West, Stephenville, Peaster, and more, the team knew they had another special season in the makings.
Heading into district play led by top athletes like Kinsley McPherson, Addison Willingham, Emma Scott, Payden Sanders, Ruby Rumohr, and more, Blum defeated Morgan, Kopperl, Meridian, Hamilton, Covington, and others before posting a 7-1 district record to finish at the top spot in their district standings and head right into the playoffs.
The Playoffs
Entering playoffs on a high note, the team posted shut-out victory after shut-out victory when facing their opponents. The Lady Bobcats defeated Savoy (3-0), Avery (3-0), Avalon (3-0), and Saint Jo (3-0) in order to punch their ticket to the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball: the UIL State Tournament.
State Tournament
At the state tournament, Blum was able to secure two massive victories. First, in the UIL Class 1A Semifinals, Blum faced off against a tough Neches team (then 32-9). Winning 3-0 in sets (25-15, 25-15, 25-16), the Lady Bobcats let it be known that they were ready for any battle that would come their way and began preparing for the state title game.
During the state title game, the Lady Bobcats showcased tremendous talent on the court as they went toe-to-toe with Harrold (36-7) for the title. Set one saw a quick 25-12 victory while set two saw another strong 25-15 win. Determined to continue playing hard, the Lady Bobcats put up a battle but ultimately fell 25-19 in set three. Taking set four by storm, Blum secured a 25-13 win to close out their season with a second consecutive title.
Leading the team in kills was Addison Willingham with a total of 15 during the match. Not far behind was Emma Scott and Kinsley McPherson with 12 kills each. Willingham also recorded a .429 hitting percentage, one dig, four total blocks, and 17.5 points. Scott recorded a .500 hitting percentage with two total blocks and 13 points. McPherson recorded a .179 hitting percentage with 17 digs and 12 points. Leading the team in digs was Ruby Rumohr with 21 digs. Rumohr also scored 8 points for the team.