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Dripping Springs Keeps Defying Odds; Reps Austin Area In Volleyball Regional Semifinal
Dripping Springs has been an Austin area volleyball power in recent seasons. So, you might be surprised to hear that it's had to overcome some hurdles to reach the 2020 UIL 5A Region IV semifinal.
First, the Tigers had to replace some of their biggest leaders and playmakers from past seasons to extend their vast volleyball success this fall. That's because they graduated a trio of college-bound players (Tulsa's Avery Kalsu, Louisiana Tech's Mackenzie Murray and Abilene Christian's Sarah Nading) at the end of the 2020 spring semester.
Then, Dripping Springs faced unusual district struggles. Its 90-game win streak against district opponents came to a startling end when it suffered a 3-2 loss against New Braunfels Canyon on Tuesday September 29, 2020. The Tigers were later swept by the New Braunfels Canyon Cougars and Alamo Heights Mules and finished third in the UIL 26-5A district standings with a 12-4 record.
But, there's a reason why Dripping Springs is back at the regional semifinal for the fourth straight season and seventh time in the last eight years. It's bounced back in recent weeks. The Tigers have won seven games in a row, including finally getting a victory against Alamo Heights in Friday's UIL 5A Region IV quarterfinal match. They had lost three straight meetings against the Mules going back to the 2019 UIL 5A Region IV final.
So, what's next for Dripping Springs? It will battle McAllen starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Corpus Christi Ray High School in its fourth playoff match of the 2020 season. Expect it to lean on longtime coach Michael Kane and on-court talents Mackenzie Plante, Nicole Herbert, Madi Lund, Ryann Frontera and Morgan Van De Walle in the contest. If the Tigers prevail, they will meet the New Braunfels Canyon/Flour Bluff winner in this weekend's regional final. Fingers crossed for a Dripping Springs/New Braunfels Canyon rematch because we'd take that in an instant.
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Photo by Henry Huey for VYPE Media.
VYPE's Austin Volleyball Crystal Ball
It's volleyball playoff time in the great state of Texas. Who can advance to the UIL state final four from Central Texas? VYPE has crunched the numbers and here's what our crystal ball is telling us.
No. 1 Lake Travis is the only remaining undefeated UIL volleyball team in the Austin area. The Cavaliers are cruising with an 18-0 record and have only played in one four-set match. Keep an eye on Jamison Wheeler, Mackenzie Cude, Arden Besecker, Kiana Reed and Campbell Cook in the Cavs' charge towards a state title.
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No. 2 Leander Rouse has a great opportunity to add another long playoff run to its resume. The Raiders won their final seven regular season games to record a 16-6 mark and the UIL 25-5A district title before the playoffs. They also have an explosive unit that includes Megan Schulz, Kayla Lopez, Emery Reid and Savannah Skopal.
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No. 3 Pflugerville Hendrickson produced one of the Austin area's best second half finishes in the 2020 high school volleyball regular season. The Hawks won 14 straight matches to win the UIL 18-5A district title and enter the playoffs with a 17-3 record. Karys Dove, Katherine Neille, Ella Wendel and Skylar Cavil can continue their team's winning success in the postseason.
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No. 4 Austin High won its last five regular season games to set its 17-3 record before the postseason. The Maroons' hot streak isn't the only thing to be excited about because a strong partnership has developed between the Rosenthals (Kasen and Tanon) and Samantha Unbehagen, Brooke Jeffery, Heaven Medina, Sadie Swift and DeAndra Pierce.
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) and VYPE (VYPE Texas Facebook, @VYPE_ATX Instagram and @VYPEATX Twitter) on social media.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.