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VYPE 2022 Volleyball Preview - THE DARK HORSES: Summer Creek Bulldogs
Summer Creek went 21-18 overall a year ago and advanced to the Area round under Sarah Aguilar (6th season – 162-155 overall).
The Bulldogs bring back five starters and look to make it into the postseason for a fifth straight year. District MVP Aspen Maxwell, who committed to Missouri this summer, returns after registering 462 kills, 124 blocks and 130 digs as a sophomore.
First-team, all-district pick and TGCA All-Star Kennedy Gustafson (808 digs, 138 assists, 85 aces, 42 kills) is another key piece back in the Dawg House.
Second teamers Taylor Larkin (227 kills, 131 blocks, 48 digs) and Yamari Thomas (135 kills, 55 blocks, 36 digs) and honorable-mention pick Kayce Ekpenike (79 kills, 43 blocks, 25 digs) are also key names to remember.
This team has experience. Four of the five starters will register their third season on varsity in 2022. “Passing and setting will need to be consistent” so that the offensive weapons can go to work, according to Aguilar.
Summer Creek Volleyball
2021 VYPE Houston Volleyball Preview - The Sleepers: Summer Creek Bulldogs
Summer Creek returns five starters from a team that went 18-8 overall and two rounds deep in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs are a year more experienced for coach Sarah Aguilar.
It all starts with senior setter Jozie Dhayer – a four-year letterman. The first-team, all-district selection has over 2,100 assists in her career.
Kaitlyn Honora was also a first-teamer along with Aspen Maxwell, who was a freshman last season and the District Newcomer of the Year. Kennedy Gustafson and Taylor Larkin were second-teamers. Gustafson will anchor the defense while Larkin is a solid offensive weapon.
Also, watch out for senior outside hitter Madelyn Troy. "We have a bunch of offensive weapons this season. Our passing and setting will need to be on point to run our offense the way we want," Aguilar said.