A RETURN TO THE TOP
SEVEN LAKES, KLEIN AND FULSHEAR LOOK TO LEAD TALENTED REGION AGAIN
Patience. Resiliency. Firepower.
Reaching the pinnacle of high school volleyball in Texas required all three in 2020.
Seven Lakes, Klein and Fulshear had plenty of each as all three played for a state championship at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland last December.
As a new campaign gets underway Monday, the returning players and coaches are not taking anything for granted. Last season was riddled with safety protocols, altered schedules, cancellations and postponements due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As the 2021 season commences, there is more of a sense of normalcy.
“I’m just so excited to be normal again, or at least more normal than what it was last year,” Klein coach Kate Zora said. “That part is really exciting, just to have kids be able to see each other’s faces. It’s just the simple, small things like that — seeing approval with smiles. I don’t think all of us realized how much we miss people smiling at one another.”
Zora had plenty to smile about last season. Klein made its second appearance in the state semifinals and defeated San Antonio Reagan in a five-set thriller to advance to the championship match. The Bearkats were undefeated as they lined up across the net from fellow Houston powerhouse Seven Lakes. It was the Spartans who ultimately came away with the 24-26, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22 victory and claimed the program’s first state title.
Seven Lakes and Klein enter the 2021 season at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the preseason rankings from the Texas Girls Coaches Association, and for good reason.
Klein will be led by junior outside hitter Ariana Brown, who paced the team in kills last season. Senior Kierstyn McFall (committed to North Florida) and junior Mikala Sampson, a pair of formidable middle blockers, will also play key roles. Expectations are high for sophomore middle Zoe Humphrey, and senior Rice commit Gaby Mansfield will lead the back line.
“We still have some outstanding players that are chomping at the bit to get on the court,” Zora said. “What we’ve lost, we’ve also gained. They have another year of maturity under their belts, so we’re excited about what they can bring to the table.”
Seven Lakes graduated one of the top players in the country in 6-foot-4 outside hitter Ally Batenhorst, now at Nebraska. But with six returners this season, expectations remain high.
Leading the way is Ally’s younger sister, Casey Batenhorst, an SMU commit and one of the top setters in the city. Seniors Mia Blum and Andrea Urzua, junior Grace Lanier and sophomore Sameena Burns are also expected to make key contributions for the Spartans.
“I think what’s so interesting about making it to the state tournament is that you
see that it’s attainable,” Seven Lakes coach Amy Cataline said. “I think for so many players, it just seems like such a lofty goal. It’s winning five matches against really great teams, but it’s still winning five matches. For the girls that have been to state, they understand what needs to happen. We need to stay focused and get up for every single game.”
Fulshear, once again, has high expectations in 5A. The school has only been open since 2016, but the Chargers have quickly become a perennial state power.
Led by coach Sydney Gotcher, Fulshear won the 4A state title in 2019 and almost
pulled off a repeat performance last season. The team defeated Dripping Springs in the state semifinals before falling to Lovejoy in the championship, 25-14, 25-17, 25-22.
“I think it’s something the girls have gotten used to — having those high expectations,” Gotcher said. “Those state rankings came out, and we’re No. 2, so I think for most teams, that’s amazing. And it is amazing, but for our kids, what they see is, we’re not No. 1, and that bothers them. We’ve got a lot of competitive kids.”
Fulshear graduated a talented outside hitter with Ellie Echter moving on to LSU, but the team returns plenty of firepower. Senior outside hitter Alexis Dacosta, a Baylor commit, was the Houston Chronicle’s All-Greater Houston Player of the Year as a sophomore following the 2019 season. Senior Ava Underwood, a Texas A&M pledge, returns at libero, and Brielle Warren, headed to Purdue, provides another huge threat outside.
“You see some teams that are really talented, but they’re young and don’t have the experience or they don’t know what to expect,” Gotcher said. “I feel like our kids, they know how to win. Losing is not something they’re used to, and it’s not something they take for granted. These returning starters who went through 2020 with so much uncertainty, I don’t know that there’s anything that can throw them off.”
Other teams to watch
Pearland Dawson is seeking its 12th consecutive playoff appearance after finishing 22-4 overall and 12-0 in District 23-6A last season. The program has advanced to the regional semifinals four straight years, the last three coming under coach Lauren Leth.
Friendswood is ranked No. 9 in the 5A preseason poll from the TGCA after finishing 23-5 overall and 15-1 in District 22-5A last year. The Mustangs are looking to reach the regional semifinals for the fourth consecutive season under coach Sarah Paulk.
The Woodlands comes in at No. 10 in the 6A rankings after finishing 23-4 overall and 10-0 in District 13-6A action last season. The Highlanders have reached the regional semifinals every year since 2013. Coach Terri Wade has led the program since 2015.
Bellville enters the season as the No. 3 team in 4A after falling to Wimberly in the state semifinals in 2020. Longtime coach Susan Brewer is hoping to lead the program to its 17th state tournament appearance after finishing 31-4 overall last year.
Needville is the No. 5 team in 4A, and the Lady Jays are hoping for continued success under coach Amy Schultz. Needville, the 2017 and 2018 state champion, reached the regional finals last season and finished with a 33-1 overall record.
East Bernard is the No. 4 team in the 3A rankings after falling to Goliad in the state semifinals last season. Led by coach Breanna Lolley, the Brahmanettes are chasing their 23rd state tournament appearance after finishing 26-5 overall last year.
Two teams to watch in the private school ranks are
Northland Christian and St. Agnes. Northland Christian was the TAPPS 4A state champion last season, while St. Agnes was the 6A runnerup. The Southwest Preparatory Conference did not hold fall championships last year, but Episcopal will be looking to defend its title from 2019.