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DOWN TO THE WIRE: Previewing a critical UIL VB State Semis matchup -- Bellville vs. Davenport
Let's just get right into it.
On one of the court, you have the Bellville Brahmas who are enjoying one of the most exemplary seasons they've seen in recent years, from a statistical stand-point -- currently touting a record of 43-5.
Coach Susan Brewer's squad is no stranger to this stage, given that they reached this point in 2022, before falling to eventual State Runner-Up Aubrey.
However, the Brahmanettes have displayed nothing less than sheer dominance throughout this postseason, as they have swept each opponent (FB Willowridge, Burnet, Livingston, and most recently Hargrave) up to this point.
In terms of star-power, take your pick between the likes of Bailey Scheerer (Jr. MB), Sydney McKay (High Point-signee), Rebecca Lucksinger (Jr. MB), Emmy Novicke (Sr. L), and Samantha Marik (Sr. OH).
Bellville is the traditional power in this match-up, having made State appearances in three of the last four years. But, they will have the ambition of claiming the program's first state title since 2005, when they were still in Class 3A.
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However, the new power has unquestionably been that of Davenport.
The reigning UIL-4A Champions picked up right where they left off last year, ranking among the top teams to come out of the San Antonio-area.
Similar to their opponent, the Wolves have been just as commanding entering the State Semis.
They have toppled Eastside EC (3-0), La Vernia (3-0), Calhoun (3-0), and Floresville (3-1) over the course of the past two weeks to make their way back to the Final-Four, improving their record to 39-8 in 2024.
Coach Taylour Toso's rotation has spread the wealth when it comes to overall stats.
In the offensive department, Emily Williams (311 kills) and McKaleigh Mattson (306 kills) run the table.
But if I were to pick an MVP for the team, it would be Alexis Dahl. As it stands, the junior setter has been all over the place, having registered 725 assists, 442 digs, and 267 kills on the year, making her a jack of all trades for Davenport.
Furthermore, Logan Strong (794 digs, 584 receptions), Dakota Hart (339 digs), and freshman Kylie Dahl (259 assists) round out what could be the most balanced crew in the state.
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There's no room for error at this stage, and fans should be in for a show when these two power-programs face off Tuesday night (6:00 pm) at the Austin Burger Center in Sunset Valley, TX.
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THE HIERARCHY: VYPE SATX Final Volleyball Rankings before playoffs; Johnson, New Braunfels locked in
At long last, we're in the culminating week of the regular season and tensions have never been higher.
While there are a handful of clubs who have officially sealed district championships, particularly the Pieper Warriors, several teams are still in a dead heat for playoff contention and seeding.
Johnson is on the precipice of making history, as they now eye their first district title since 2011 (a year in which they reached the UIL-5A State Tournament), and can seal it in a crucial match against Clark this Tuesday.
With their recent victory over Boerne-Champion, New Braunfels trails just behind Pieper in the District 26-5A standings, and can secure their spot when facing Boerne.
Meanwhile, Harlan and O'Connor are neck-and-neck for first place in 28-6A, which means they will place a particular emphasis on finishing strong.
Suffice it to say, this week has huge implications on the impending postseason, as there is just one last series for these teams to leave no questions unanswered in their respective district races.
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VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-20 Volleyball Rankings
1. Harlan Hawks (6A) -- 35-5 // 14-1 in District 28-6A
2. O'Connor Panthers (6A) -- 36-7 // 14-1 in District 28-6A
3. Davenport Wolves (4A) -- 34-8 // 8-1 in District 26-4A
4. Pieper Warriors (5A) -- 33-8 // 14-2 in District 26-5A***
5. Brennan Bears (6A) -- 33-9 // 11-4 in District 28-6A
6. Canyon Cougars (6A) -- 30-13 // 9-2 in District 29-6A
7. New Braunfels Unicorns (5A) -- 33-12 // 12-3 in District 26-5A***
8. Boerne-Champion Chargers (5A) -- 33-7 // 12-3 in District 26-5A
9. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 26-15 // 11-2 in District 27-6A***
10. SA Reagan Rattlers (6A) -- 30-13 // 11-2 in District 27-6A
11. Floresville Tigers (4A) -- 31-7 // 11-0 in District 27-4A
12. Clark Cougars (6A) -- 26-16 // 10-3 in District 27-6A
13. Smithson Valley Rangers (5A) -- 25-15 // 10-5 in District 26-5A
14. Warren Warriors (6A) -- 21-17 // 10-5 in District 28-6A
15. Tivy Antlers (5A) -- 26-14 // 9-6 in District 26-5A
16. Clemens Buffaloes (6A) -- 23-19 // 7-4 in District 29-6A
17. Northside Jay Mustangs (5A) -- 26-11 // 10-5 in District 28-5A
18. Seguin Matadors (5A) -- 26-19 // 14-1 in District 27-5A
19. Brandeis Broncos (6A) -- 20-23 // 8-5 in District 27-6A
20. Sotomayor Wildcats (6A) -- 23-15 // 8-7 in District 28-6A