Varsity came into the season with big shoes to fill from departing seniors from a team that went undefeated in District play. But this year’s squad is blessed with young talent, depth at multiple positions, and a strong contingent of senior leaders eager to show they belong with the best. While unranked in the local VYPE rankings, the Spartans would soon show everyone they were not to be overlooked.

Stratford began the season this week opening on the road against an always tough Klein squad, and finishing with a blizzard of games in the Katy-Cy Fair Tournament.

vs. Klein

Traveling to Klein on Tuesday, Varsity looked to open with a win against the traditional power for a second consecutive year. Powered by strong right-side play of Avery Kent and Ashley Jones and tough defense by middle blocker Hailey Tacker, the Spartans pulled out to a lead and took the first set 25-17. The second set saw Stratford move out to a 14-9 lead on a strong set by Chloe Popkin, then finish off Klein with an 11-2 run to take the set 25-11. The final set started slower with a 10-9 edge, before the Spartans were able to finish things off with a 25-17 set win on the strength of Gwen Koss’ offensive and defensive efforts. The straight-set win set Varsity up for a busy weekend of tournament volleyball.

vs. Magnolia and Mayde Creek

In the Katy-Cy Fair Tournament, Varsity had a chance to face off against the best programs in the city. Thursday saw the Spartans start off against the No. 7-ranked 5A area team, the Magnolia Bulldogs. While Magnolia proved testy, the Spartans were able to take a straight-set win 25-18, 25-20.

After a straight-set thumping of an energetic Mayde Creek squad, the Spartans were set to face the No. 3-ranked 6A area team, the Lobos from Langham Creek.

vs. Langham Creek

Langham featured two players from the VYPE all-preseason teams, including 6’5” middle blocker Jordan Taylor. The Lobos came out hot, frustrating every move the Spartans would make en route to a 25-13 first-set win. With their backs against the wall, Stratford pitched a furious rally taking the next two sets 25-16 and 25-17 to capture the match and advance to Friday’s pool play in the top seed grouping. The final two sets saw inspired play on many fronts, including multiple kills from Sophie Corbeil, Emma Dunwoody, Sarah Hickman, and Gwen Koss, smooth setting by Audrey Cook and Jaelyn Chen, and stingy defense by Izzy Rodriquez as Varsity adjusted to counter the Lobos’ firepower.

vs. Cedar Park

Friday saw Stratford face off against Cedar Park and the No. 16-ranked area 6A team, the Cavaliers of College Park. Against Cedar Park, the Spartans took a close first set 25-22, then pulled away for a big 25-13 margin in the second set to claim the victory.

vs. College Park

Then against College Park, Varsity claimed a solid 25-19 first set, only to drop the second in extra points 26-28. In the tie-breaking third set, Stratford jumped out to an early lead and didn’t look back, prevailing 25-13. These two victories set up a matchup against the No. 5 area 6A squad, Bridgeland.

vs. Bridgeland

Playing on their home court, Bridgeland gradually built a small lead and claimed the first set 25-20. The Spartans bounced back yet again, claiming the second set 25-18 and prevailing in a thriller third set 25-23 to advance to the top 4 Gold Bracket on Saturday for the first time since … ever.

vs. Seven Lakes

On Saturday, Varsity faced off against No. 4-ranked area 6A team Seven Lakes for a chance to advance to the Championship. The Spartans pulled out to a lead in each set and steadily maintained it throughout, winning 25-21, 25-21. The win against Seven Lakes put Stratford in the Championship against the No. 1-ranked area 6A team Grand Oaks.

vs. Grand Oaks

Grand Oaks had lived up to their hype, mowing down each team they faced and dropping only one set the entire week. In each set, Stratford opened up small early leads only to get overpowered each time by Grand Oaks, falling 25-15, 25-13 to finish 2nd out of 48 teams. The match had many great plays by the Spartans and provided a springboard into the rest of pre-District play.

In the course of three days, Stratford beat the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 16th-ranked Houston-area teams.

In addition to a well-earned team Silver medal, the Spartans walked away with a number of individual honors by vote of all participating coaches. Senior Emma Dunwoody was named Most Outstanding Blocker, Senior Izzy Rodriguez was named Most Outstanding Libero, and Sophomore Gwen Koss was selected to the All-Tournament First Team.

This week’s stats include:

Emma Dunwoody: 35 kills (.230 hitting efficiency), 21 blocks, 7 digs, 4 aces

Gwen Koss: 80 kills (.311 hitting efficiency), 10 blocks, 85 digs, 4 aces

Izzy Rodriguez: 84 digs, 4 aces

Sophie Corbeil: 51 kills, 11 blocks, 34 digs, 4 aces

Chloe Popkin: 21 kills, 47 digs, 3 aces

Audrey Cook: 133 assists, 50 digs, 11 aces

Jaelyn Chen: 93 assists, 23 digs, 7 aces

Sarah Hickman: 32 kills, 4 blocks

Avery Kent: 25 kills (.231 hitting efficiency), 5 blocks

Next week, Varsity (8-1) hosts Katy on Tuesday at 5:30 pm and on Friday hosts Clear Springs at 5:30 pm. Come on out and cheer on the Spartans loud and proud!