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PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Sunnyvale vs. Aubrey volleyball
It's time for the regional semifinals in the Texas high school volleyball playoffs. As area teams gear up to face each other, VYPE DFW is taking a look at some squads fans should keep their eyes peeled on. Sunnyvale and Aubrey are two teams set to face off on Friday for an intense battle. We dive into what fans can expect below:
Sunnyvale Raiders (34-7, 12-0)
Taking the season by storm, Sunnyvale has had a no-quit attitude from the very beginning of their season. Shutting out 15 of their 22 non-district opponents, the Lady Raiders posted a 22-7 non-district record with victories over the likes of Kaufman, Scurry-Rosser, Mount Vernon, North Forney, Rains, Sanger, and more. Sharpening their athletes' ability on the court proved to be beneficial as they worked toward their district schedule.
Once in district, Leah Devaraj, Chiora Enyinna, Anna Mitchell, Keila Sanger, Sophia Edwards, Savannah Bryan, Hillary McMahan, and other Sunnyvale athletes put an incredible effort into securing victories week after week. Finishing at the top of their district standings, Sunnyvale went undefeated in district play with victories over Community, Kaufman, Ford, Willis Point, Caddo Mills, and more. Outscoring their opponents 36-3 in sets throughout district play, Sunnyvale has had everything to celebrate already this season. Through the playoffs so far, the team has defeated Pinkston, North Lamar, and Brownsboro.
Aubrey Chaparrals (37-10, 9-2)
With several big moments through non-district play, Aubrey opened their season with a five-match win streak. Defeating tough opponents like Lancaster, Eastern Hills, Gunter, Cedar Creek, London, and others, Aubrey utilized their non-district schedule to prep for tough district opponents this season. The team carried their success into district play behind talented athletes like Shelby Ball, Kynadi Hall, Abby Wright, Gracie Michael, Annaleise Sevier, Olivia Starr, Bijou Duff, and others.
Finishing second in their district standings, the Lady Chaps posted huge victories over Panther Creek, Anna, Van Alstyne, Ranchview, and others. With tough moments, the team proved their ability to be resilient on the court; taking advantage of every moment given to them. So far through playoffs, the team has sent home several opponents including OCFFA, Godley, and Panther Creek.
What To Expect
Both of these teams have strong outings on the court. With a high IQ for the game and high-quality leadership, these teams can be expected to come out ready to take the victory on Friday night. Looking to secure another week of playtime, fans of both of these teams can expect high energy and focus on the court. These teams are geared up for a battle and you can expect to see back-and-forth big plays during this match-up.
The match is set to begin at 8 p.m. at Mesquite Poteet High School.
PREVIEW: Aubrey Lady Chaps Continuing to Pave a Path
Aubrey Volleyball has slowly made a name for itself since entering the Texas high school volleyball scene not that long ago. Posting strong seasons every season, they have earned the top spot in the VYPE DFW 1A-4A volleyball preseason rankings. So, what exactly can fans expect from the Lady Chaps as they prepare for their 2023-24 schedule?
REWIND
Last season, the Lady Chaparrals posted 28 shut-out victories over opponents like Garland (2-0), Tyler Legacy (2-0), Melissa (3-0), Frisco Panther Creek (3-0), Van Alstyne (3-0), and more. Finishing at the top of their district with a 9-1 record, the Lady Chaps plowed over their opponents en route to a strong playoff push.
In playoffs, Aubrey faced each opponent with a poise that only Aubrey can bring to the court. Defeating Alvarado (3-0), Panther Creek (3-0), Canton (3-1), Celina (3-0), and Bellville (3-2), the Lady Chaps put their heart out there each and every game before eventually falling to Amarillo Randall (3-0).
LOOKING AHEAD
Hungry for a title, the Lady Chaps can be expected to enter the season with a fire beneath them. Filled with leaders who have played on this team throughout their careers like seniors Bijou Duff, Olivia Starr, Annalise Sevier and juniors Kynadi Hall and Alayna McMullen, the Lady Chaps can be expected to be an even bigger presence on the court this season.
Opening their schedule with a five-match win streak against Krum (3-1), Lancaster (2-0), Fort Worth Eastern Hills (2-0), Saginaw (2-0), and Frisco Panther Creek (2-0), got the Lady Chaps off to the start that they wanted. As they continue to pave a path through preseason, Aubrey volleyball continues to work hard-- defeating reigning 3A State Champion Gunter on Tuesday. Entering district play should be routine for this team as they look to head into playoffs with a drive and passion for a state title. Fans can expect this team to get the job done this season!