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UIL STATE FINALS PREVIEW: Blum vs. Fayetteville volleyball
Blum volleyball has been taking this season by storm en route to the UIL State Tournament. Battling every moment they have been on the court and working tirelessly in practice to maintain a level of dominance almost unlike any other in UIL Class 1A volleyball, the Lady Bobcats are so close to being state championss after a disappointing loss to eventual state champions Neches last season. Before the first serve is over the net, let's take a look at what fans can expect in this semifinal matchup!
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Blum Bobcats (36-12, 14-0)
With an undefeated district record, the Lady Bobcats are on a 21-game win-streak headed into the UIL State Semifinals. The team has posted incredible wins this season- including in their playoff run. So far in the playoffs, Blum has posted nothing but shut-outs in an attempt to make it back to the State Finals. Knocking down Penelope, Abbott, Bryson, Hubbard, and most recently Veribest, the Lady Bobcats have shown that they did not come into this season willing to leave with anything less than a state title.
The Bobcats have shown incredible resiliency throughout the season with a defense that knows how to block and an offense that knows how to score early, often, and whenever necessary. The attack has been strong for the Lady Bobcats and fans can expect to see it remain strong through the state tournament.
Fayetteville Lions (45-2, 14-0)
Also undefeated in district play, the Lions are here to show that they are ready to face-off against a team like Blum. Making it through to the Regional Finals last year before falling to D'Hanis, Fayetteville wants this win with everything in them. The athlete to watch for Fayetteville is junior outside hitter Brooklyn Jaeger. Jaeger has tallied 995 kills this season and has remained a striking force for the Lions. With 89 aces, 45 blocks, and 454 digs, Jaeger has led the team in nearly every stat.
The Lions have a strong offense, but they also have a strong defense. Having lost only two matches the entire season, they are always ready to put up a fight- especially when the chance at becoming the state champion is on the line!
What To Expect:
INCREDIBLE DEFENSE. Both defenses have been tough throughout the season and you shouldn't see this change- especially as they go head-to-head in a match that determines their fate of the season. Fayetteville has been consistently strong in every aspect of the game, but Blum might have a few tricks up their sleeves in order to pull out this state championship win!
Midseason Update: Byron Nelson Volleyball
The Byron Nelson Lady Bobcats volleyball team has been fighting through their schedule in an attempt to get back to the dominant position that they were in last season. Last season, the Lady Bobcats finished first in their district with a 10-2 district record (17-4 overall). Despite seeming to have a little bit of a rougher year this season, the two-seasons removed State Champs continue to fight their way through the schedule.
So far this season, the Lady Bobcats have posted a 17-17 overall record (1-5 in district). During their preseason play, the Lady Bobcats defeated the likes of Southlake Carroll, Burleson, Waxahachie, Vandegift, and more. The Lady Bobcats have beaten Keller Central in district play, but have fallen in hard-fought matches against Timber Creek, Fossil Ridge, Southlake Carroll, and school district rival V.R. Eaton. With only seven games left in the season, Byron Nelson is looking for a strong finish.
Junior right side hitter Samantha Hoppes currently leads the Lady Bobcats in kills with 450 kills in 96 sets played. Hoppes has also tallied 55 total blocks (43 solo, 12 assisted), and 205 digs. Leading Byron Nelson in digs is senior defensive specialist Brynn Bates. Bates has tallied 651 digs for an average of nearly 20 digs per match. Bates has also racked up a team-high 34 aces with 260 serving points.
The Lady Bobcats' next game is Tuesday, October 5 at 5 p.m. against Keller. Be expected to watch a tough Byron Nelson squad battle every moment of the next few matches in order to post a stronger finish to their district play.