Varsity started the week 9-1, looking to build on a program-best 2nd place finish in the 48-team Katy Cy Fair Tournament. A series of wins against highly ranked opponents vaulted Stratford from unranked status all the way to 5th among Houston area teams and 12th in Texas among 6A teams. The Spartans would find themselves tested in two home matchups against strong opponents, including an intense battle against yet another State-ranked team.

vs. Katy

Stratford began the week on Tuesday hosting the Katy Tigers, a traditional volleyball power. The Spartans started off ice cold, finding themselves down 3-14 before finding their way and storming back to take the first set 25-19 on the heels of a strong Avery Kent kill for set point.

The next set saw the teams trade off leads until Varsity gradually built a small lead and took the second set 25-19 on the strength of three Chloe Popkin aces to close out the set.

The third set saw the teams trade leads again until Katy built up a small lead late in the set. The Spartans rallied to take the set to extra points and close out the match 28-26.

While the Katy match ended up a sweep, the close nature of each set showed the team there was work to be done. Varsity had two days to prepare for one of the toughest teams in the State.

vs. Clear Springs

On Friday, Stratford hosted the Clear Springs Chargers. Clear Springs is loaded at every position, and entered the match ranked No. 4 in Houston and No. 8 in Texas among 6A teams. Our gym was set for a clash of highly ranked titans.

The Spartans started the match slow, finding themselves down 4-10 before bringing the match to square at 18-18. From there, Varsity went on a 7-3 run to win the first set 25-21.

In the second set, Clear Springs came out hot and built up a lead. Every adjustment Stratford made came up short, and the Chargers took the second set in a romp 25-11.

With the best of five set match tied 1-1, Varsity needed to quickly turn the page from a disastrous second set and come out strong. The Spartans opened up a small lead and maintained it most of the set until the set was squared at 20-20. Building on a theme of sharing the responsibility, Stratford was able to outscore the Chargers 5-1 to take the set 25-21 on the strength of kills or aces from 4 different Spartan players.

Up 2-1 in sets, and needing one more for victory, the Spartans gradually built up a 15-9 lead. From there, the Chargers again clawed back to within 1 at 22-21. Not wanting to go to a tie-breaking 5th set, Stratford came through with a series of clutch points off rallies to win the final set 25-23. As Sophie Corbeil’s roll shot landed for the final point, the entire team was storming the court to celebrate a milestone win.

The victory against such a top program seems certain to boost Stratford (10-1) even higher in city and State rankings.

Meanwhile, another big week of volleyball awaits. On Monday, the Spartans travel to TAPPS powerhouse St Agnes, a team that has given Stratford tough matches in recent years. That match begins at 5:30 pm. Later in the week, Varsity will travel to Austin for the Volleypalooza Tournament, where many of the State’s top teams are set to compete.

This week’s stats include:

Chloe Popkin: 27 kills (.386 hitting efficiency), 23 digs, 5 aces, 2 blocks

Gwen Koss: 14 kills (.204 hitting efficiency), 12 digs

Izzy Rodriguez: 31 digs, 11 assists

Audrey Cook: 44 assists, 12 digs, 3 aces

Jaelyn Chen: 35 assists, 11 digs, 5 aces

Ashley Jones: 14 kills (.295 hitting efficiency), 5 blocks

Sarah Hickman: 13 kills (.345 hitting efficiency)