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Tompkins volleyball
Tompkins dominates way into the 6A State Tournament
Head coach Allison Merrell has watched her team resurge from last season’s setback and she acknowledges that certain improvements have been made in that time span.
“I think their [her team’s] maturity and their mentality was different than last year’s team,” Merrell said. “This year’s team is no-nonsense, in the sense that, whatever they want, they’re gonna go for it. Nothing is gonna get in their way.”
Leading the way for the Tompkins squad is their star hitter, senior Cindy Tchouangwa. The future Rice Owl has been monumental in the Falcons’ commanding run, leading the team in kills, hitting percentage and blocks. Coach Merrell talks about how it has been to work with a talented, young athlete like Tchouangwa.
“Cindy is one of a kind,” said Merrell. “She inspires others to be relaxed. She’s our energy. She works so hard in practice, but she is playful and keeps us light. At the same time, she can turn it on like nobody’s business. She is a competitor and she makes everybody else around her, better.”
Tompkins' Star Player: Cindy Tchouangwa
Having a star player is indispensable for a team. However, Tchouangwa has plenty of talented teammates backing her up. Senior middle Tendai Titley, in particular, has been one of the major components behind Tompkins’ competitive nature. The Bradley University-commit holds a place in the top three of all the team’s major stat categories.
“I can always count on T [Titley]," said Merrell. “She is our voice and accountability in practice. She’s a steady force for us. She’s our heart and soul.”
Other notable players among an already stacked Falcons roster, who have made significant contributions to their progression include junior outside Skylar Skrabanek (2nd in aces and receptions, 3rd in kills), senior setter Presley Powell (1st in assists) and sophomore DS/S Brooklynn Merrell (1st in aces and digs, 3rd in assists).
This eager Tompkins unit plays Keller High at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX, on Friday at 5:00 PM. If they win, there will only be one more opponent standing in the way of a State title.
“I think that the players, and us as coaches, are feeling all the support from the school, our families and the community,” coach Merrell said. “It’s just been such an outpouring. We just had our [school] sendoff and stopped the seniors at one point and I said, ‘soak in these moments. You are the celebrities of the school, right now. Just look at what you’re doing.’ They’ve earned this.”
The Big 3 (8.31.22): Romriell, Animashaun, Richardson shine from Tuesday's volleyball action
Those deserve their own shoutout.
- Langham Creek's Leah Rios reached her 1,000th assists of her career. She now sits at 1,012.
- Tomball's Lindy Godwin reached her 1,000th assists of her career on her birthday.
- Bridgeland's Lauren McIntyre reached her 1,000th assist of her career.
- Conroe's Emma Malak reached her 1,000th dig of her career on Tuesday with 15 digs
Now, here is your Big 3 from Tuesday night's action.
Coaches please DM us your players of the match following your Tuesday games for the Wednesday Big 3. You can also email nominees to joshua.koch@vypemedia.comAshley Richardson - Clear Springs
Ashley Richardson had a big night for Clear Springs as they defeated Deer Park 3-2 in a thriller. Richardson finished with 24 assists and 13 kills for the Chargers.
Reese Animashaun - St. John's
St. John's pulled off a huge program win on Tuesday night, defeating Foster. That is an SPC program punching up to Class 5A and taking down a program in a sweep. A big key to that victory was the play of Reese Animashaun, who recorded a triple double. Animashaun finished with 11 kills, 12 digs and 23 assists in the win. An incredible performance.
Simone Romriell - Seven Lakes
Seven Lakes took care of business against Katy Taylor on Tuesday night in straight-set fashion. A big piece to that victory was the play of Simone Romriell at setter. She finished with 27 assists for the match, which averages out to nearly 10 assists per set.
Honorable Mentions
Mackenzie Strban, Alvin (17 kills, 15 digs, .333, 47.2%)
Abby Fuller, Clear Springs (25 digs)
Lindy Godwin, Tomball
Lauren McIntyre, Bridgeland (24 assists)
Maggie Ellender, Klein Oak (32 assists, 13 digs, 4 kill)
Skylar Skrabanek, Katy Tompkins (14 kills, 10 digs)
Emma Malak, Conroe (15 digs, 1 ace)
Ariana Goode, Klein Collins (9 kills, 8 blocks, 5 digs)
Madi Hobbs, Second Baptist School (17 kills, 3 aces)