Varsity started the week in sole possession of first place in the District, looking to extend their lead in a road rivalry game and home game against a playoff contender.

The Spartans first traveled to Memorial to visit the traditional District powerhouse Mustangs. Memorial quickly learned there’s a new sheriff in town, as Varsity opened up to an early 7-1 lead en route to a dominant 25-11 opening set. The second set started the same way with an early 9-1 Spartan lead and finished with a comfortable 25-17 winning margin. The final set started out slower but the Spartans picked up steam and finished off the Mustangs 25-18.

The straight set stomping of the Mustangs exorcised the demons of 12 years of losses to Memorial in District play. To do this in their house was extra sweet. Gone were the usually hostile and sometimes abusive taunts of years past. In their place were polite Mustang cheers and awkward murmurs competing with a vocal Spartan fan base. The win also kept Varsity undefeated in District this year going into an important home match to complete the first half of the District season.

On Friday, the team hosted Jersey Village, which sat tied for third in District play behind Stratford and Cy-Fair. Varsity started out strong with a decisive 25-11 first set. The next two sets were closer, but the result was the same - another 3-0 straight set sweep in District play.

At the halfway point in the District schedule, Varsity has won 21 sets and lost only one. The team now also sits 8th in the most recent Max Preps rankings of Region III programs. The team’s next matchup may be its most pivotal all season.

This Tuesday, Varsity will travel to face Cy-Fair, which sits in sole possession of second place in the District. Accounting for tiebreakers, a victory against Cy-Fair would effectively give Stratford a three game lead in the race for the District title with six games to play. A loss to Cy-Fair would put the Spartans in a tie for first place. The team would LOVE for you to make the short trip down 290 for the 5:30 start.

Varsity also hosts Cy Creek on Friday at 5:30. The team has greatly appreciated your support this season, and hopes you can make it to both contests this week to cheer these ladies on to victory.

This week’s stats include:

Skylar George: 32 kills (.364 hitting efficiency), 22 digs 4 aces, 3 blocks à double-double against Jersey Village on Friday (17 kills, 17 digs)

Sharlotte McClintock: 12 kills (.320 hitting efficiency), 9 blocks

Emma Hickman: 10 kills (.450 hitting efficiency), 9 blocks

Olivia Abbott: 26 digs, 3 aces

Izzy Rodriguez: 10 digs, 3 aces

Chloe Popkin: 9 kills, 12 digs

Emma Dunwoody: 8 kills, 2 blocks

Nina Terry: 12 digs, 40 assists

Audrey Cook: 27 assist