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The Byron Nelson Bobcats join in the celebration with their fan-section
BEST IN THE BUSINESS: Byron Nelson lives up to No.1 ranking, cruises to a UIL Championship
Said run earned the Brianne Groth-led team the distinction of being ranked as the No. 1 team, not only in Texas, but in the entire country.
Despite the lofty accolades, this Byron Nelson squad refused to let the outside noise impede them from achieving their ultimate goal.
"When we first got the rating, coach Groth told us it was 'rat-poison'," said senior Sydnee Peterson amidst a laugh. "That was a fair assessment, because it's really easy to get complacent at this level. I think she (Groth) did a really good job of keeping our minds right. It was awesome to be recognized like that, but we just focused on what we could accomplish."
What exactly did they "accomplish"?
The beasts of Northwest ISD performed to the exact level that was expected, and swept Stratford to claim the program's first State Title since 2019, and second overall.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
"It was the classiness in which this group composed themselves that impressed me the most," said head coach Groth. "I think their growth dates back to last year. We had several pieces back and I felt that they were going to be special when they battled in our Hawaii tournament.
"It was at that point when we all thought 'we're going to do this thing'. Something that we preach is getting one-percent better with each match we have, and I think that we did that throughout the season. Fortunately, we were able to play our best when it really mattered in the playoffs."
When it comes to the their "best", it doesn't get much better than junior outside hitter Kylie Kleckner.
The Washington-commit was simply too much to handle for a formidable Stratford defense, as she registered 23 kills on the night, while also providing 9 digs and 2 assists, earning herself State MVP honors.
Junior Kylie Kleckner receives the 2024 UIL-6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Although she garnered that distinction, for good reason, Kleckner remained humble.
"It was cool to hear my name be announced like that, but I really couldn't have done it without my teammates," Kleckner said. "Everything came together -- from our defense, to Sophee (Peterson) setting me up, and the overall balance we have. Everyone on this team can contribute, so it's really not my award...it's their's."
She isn't wrong, as there were numerous other individuals who left their mark on the court during Saturday's Final.
As Kleckner mentioned, Sophee Peterson (So. S) played a pivotal role, delivering 42 assists and 13 digs against the Spartans, while Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (20 kills, 9 digs), Sydnee Peterson (7 kills, 1 dig), and Kaitlyn Francis (8 digs, 7 assists, 1 kill) buttoned up the remaining factors needed to clinch the Bobcats' remarkable victory.
Byron Nelson fit the billing and then some. Now, they can revel in their championship, knowing that the critics were right.