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Varsity started the week in sole possession of first place in District play facing its most important matchup of the season against defending District champs Cy Fair. A win would effectively give Stratford a 3-game District lead (including tie breakers) with 6 to play. A loss would place the Spartans in a tie with Cy Fair.
The Houston Chronicle, Vype, and MaxPreps all had media members covering the matchup, adding to the electricity in the gym. The game itself lived up to the hype, and then some, as both Stratford and Cy Fair put on some of the best volleyball we’ve seen this season.
The match started with each team winning a set by the same score of 25-22. The third set started out even, but the Spartans gradually pulled into the lead and finished with a 25-19 margin. The set featured several long rallies and acrobatic digs and saves. Up 2 sets to 1, Stratford burst out to a big lead in the fourth set, punctuated by several punishing kills up front and continued excellence by the back row and setters. The Spartans maintained the margin throughout the set, prevailing 25-15.
The win completed Varsity’s first ever season sweep against Cy Fair in District play. It also resulted in a well-deserved write-up in the Chronicle.
The entire volleyball program gathered on Thursday outside the gym for a tailgate before the varsity football game in what has become an annual tradition. The tailgate gave students, parents, and coaches a chance to spend time together outside the pressure of game day and to bond together as a program.
On Friday, Varsity hosted Cy Creek. There was no time to bask in the glow of the win against Cy Fair, as Cy Creek, sitting third in the District standings, was a dangerous opponent in its own right. In its earlier matchup against Cy Creek, Varsity prevailed in three closely fought sets. Friday’s game would prove equally difficult.
Starting in a hole and trailing most of the set, Stratford came storming back at the end - fighting off three set points to pull out the first set 26-24. The second set started better, and the Spartans prevailed 25-16. Cy Creek opened another lead in the third set, but Stratford again came back to win the set 25-21 and seal the victory.
Varsity now sits 9-0 in the District. Stratford also moved up to 6th in the MaxPreps ranking of Region III teams.
Varsity hopes to mathematically clinch a playoff berth in a pair of matchups this week. On Tuesday, the Spartans travel to Northbrook for a 5:30 start against the Raiders. Varsity then hosts Spring Woods on Friday. PLEASE NOTE - the Friday matchup starts early at 4:30 to accommodate those going to the Homecoming football game. We hope you can come cheer on the Spartans as they continue their march toward a District title.
This week’s stats include:
Skylar George – 32 kills (hitting efficiency .218), 26 digs 5 blocks, 3 aces (including 2 double-doubles this week!)
Sophia Cornell – 20 kills (.280), 3 blocks, 6 digs
Chloe Popkin – 13 kills (.214), 13 digs, 2 aces
Sharlotte McClintock – 15 kills (.387), 9 blocks
Emma Hickman – 11 kills (.333), 6 blocks
Emma Dunwoody – 11 kills (.276), 5 blocks, 5 digs
Olivia Abbott – 45 digs
Nina Terry – 15 digs, 52 assists
Audrey Cook – 5 digs, 35 assists