After missing the state tournament last year, Celina is back for their second tournament appearance. The Lady Bobcats have put forth the amount of effort necessary to be not only one of the best 4A volleyball teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but one of the best in the entire state. VYPE DFW takes a look at Celina's road to state and what fans can expect out of this Thursday semifinal pairing with Comal Davenport.
Regular Season Play
With only eight losses this season, Celina has been working hard to make it back to the stage they were on just two seasons ago in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance (2021). After not making it to this stage last year, Celina knew they were hungry for more and entered the season with four consecutive victories over Ponder, Lubbock Cooper, Chisholm Trail, and Lake Worth. Continuing to battle through non-district play, the Lady Bobcats sharpened their skills against tough opponents like Sunnyvale, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, Denton, Springtown, North Lamar, and more. The team even faced off against reigning 3A state champion, Gunter-- who is on their own quest for another state title this season. Finishing non-district play strong, Celina was powered up and ready for district play.
Through district play, Celina dropped only one match-- a hard-fought 3-1 showdown against Aubrey. Aside from their loss, the team utilized strong athletes like Morgan Kelley, Kinley Hammons, McKenna Paulson, Landry Graf, Ryan McCoy, Ashley Woodrum, Kinsey Murray, Reagan Radtke, Aubrey Lamber, and more in statement victories over the likes of Anna, Panther Creek, Ranchview, Van Alstyne, and more to finish at the top of their district standings with a 10-1 district record.
Playoffs So Far
So far in the playoffs, Celina has shut out four of their five opponents. Defeating Dallas Hampton Prep, Ferris, Van Alstyne, and Lindale, the Lady Bobcats geared up for a revenge match against Aubrey. Working hard and showcasing talent on the court, the team pulled off a 3-1 victory in sets over Aubrey to advance to this season's UIL Class 4A Volleyball State Semifinal match against Comal Davenport. Up to this point, the team has remained strong with impressive plays and has outscored their opponents by a combined 95-37 sets this season.
What To Expect
Celina has a fire in their heart and the right amount of determination to succeed in the semifinals this season and only one team stands in their way of punching their ticket to the state finals-- Comal Davenport (45-5, 12-0). Davenport has had an incredible season with an undefeated district run and statement victories of their own. The Lady Bobcats are going to want to keep a watchful eye on Davenport's top athletes like Talan Dodson, Ashtan Dodson, Alexis Dahl, Emily Williams, Ryan Kovacs, Ophelia Murphy, and more this Thursday on the court in the program's first-ever state tournament appearance.
Lady Bobcat fans can expect this team to bring the action and put in great plays against their opponents. This match can be expected to be highly physical with great game IQ from both sides of the net. Be sure you catch all the action. The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.