Lady Tigers to take on Joshua
Coach cites realignment for deep playoff run
WHITEHOUSE, Texas—Texas High hasn’t been this deep in volleyball playoffs in quite some time.
The Lady Tigers (27-11) face Joshua (23-16) in the Region II-5A quarterfinals today at Whitehouse High School. The match is set for 7 p.m.
District 15 champion Texas High beat Midlothian in four sets, 25-18, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, in the area round. The Owls swept District 16-5A champion Hallsville, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20, Friday. Joshua was the thirdplace finisher from District 14, losing twice to Midlothian in league play.
The Tigers won’t take Joshua lightly, however.
“The area win was very exciting for the girls,” Lady Tiger coach Melissa Hardy said. “That was the first time we’ve won in the second round since I’ve been here. The realignment had a lot to do with that, also. Usually, we’re lined up with a weaker team in the bi-district round, and then face a tough opponent in the area.
“We played a tougher district, and so we’re more prepared for who we might see in the playoffs.”
Five seniors lead Texas High. Treyaunna Rush starts at outside hitter, and Kaitlyn Cross will be at middle blocker. Senior Katelyn Jordan and Rush split setting duties, Vicki Willis is the libero, and Mia Wilson is another senior defensive specialist for the Tigers. Willis and Wilson are the other seniors.
Olivia Lower is the lone junior for THS and plays all the way around, sophomore Ashlyn Stiger rotates in at middle, and Shakeria Webb and Cashlin Gooden, also sophomores, rotate at hitter. Freshmen Logan Pilgreen, Ashanti Northcross, Valeria Perez, Lauren Allred and Ellison Davis were pulled up from the junior varsity for the playoffs.
“This is the time when you want your team to peak,” Hardy said. “My girls had one of their best games (against Midlothian) Friday. Joshua, I believe, is peaking at the right time, also. To knock off Hallsville, a firstplace team and a good team, is not an easy task.
“I’m excited for the girls. We’re going to go into the match with confidence, but stay humble. We know we’ve never been that far, but we want it bad enough and have worked hard to get here. And we’ll go out and fight for it.”
The winner advances to the Region II-5A semifinals, set for 5 p.m. Friday at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas.