STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Battle-tested Prosper to face Conroe Grand Oaks
Prosper returns to the state tournament after winning the whole thing in 2017 and not making it to this stage since. Ready to show that they are back, victorious as ever, and ready to seal the deal on another successful season, the Lady Eagles have fought valiantly through their season. VYPE DFW takes a look at their road to state and what fans can expect on Friday heading into the semifinal pairing with Conroe Grand Oaks:
Regular Season Play
Led by Ayden Ames, Reese Renfrow, Sydney Thornton, Jayla Jackson, Audrey Hunt, Keely Harrington, Sophie Bridges, Allie Duitsman, Hannah Beauford, and other talented athletes, Prosper has been posting dominant victories from the start of their season when they opened with a 3-0 sweep over Frisco Independence. Posting other non-district victories over tough programs like Arlington Martin (3-0), Grapevine (3-0), Frisco Wakeland (3-1), Weatherford (2-0), Rockwall (2-1), Lucas Lovejoy (2-1-- who is playing in their own state semifinal on Friday), Flower Bluff (2-0), Allen (2-0), and more, the Lady Eagles were able to face and overcome challenges before district play even began.
Posting a 12-2 district record to finish second in their district standings-- just behind a strong McKinney Boyd Lady Broncos team-- Prosper's only two district losses came in matches against the Lady Broncos. Focusing on resiliency and power, Prosper defeated Denton Guyer, Prosper Rock Hill, Denton Braswell, McKinney, and more throughout the rest of their district play.
Playoffs So Far
Amping up their play for the playoffs, Prosper regrouped and was prepared for anything to come their way as they entered the first round against Plano West. Posting a 3-0 victory, the team moved on to an intense battle against Arlington Martin. Dedicated, focused, and determined, the Lady Eagles secured a 3-2 victory over Arlington Martin and continued to advance. Defeating Plano East (3-0), Southlake Carroll (3-0), and Flower Mound (3-0), Prosper punched their ticket to the biggest stage in Texas high school volleyball: the state tournament!
What To Expect
Conroe Grand Oaks (48-1, 16-0) has lost only one game this season while outscoring their opponents 121-7. In fact, out of 48 victories this season, 43 of them were won in sweeps. Incredible athletes like Samara Coleman, Halle Thompson, Jaela Auguste, Caelyn Emmerling, and others make up this squad as they enter the program's first-ever state tournament appearance.
Fans can expect a fast-paced game. Grand Oaks is going to put up the toughest battle that Prosper has seen all season. Prosper will have to remain on their toes and vigilant if they want to pull off a major victory and head back to the state title match. Jam-packed with action, fans aren't going to want to take their eyes off of this UIL Class 6A State Semifinal match! The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.