Texas High School Volleyball Championships Conclude with High Stakes

The UIL state volleyball season culminated today at The Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, with four state championships on the line. Among the standout teams is Trophy Club Byron Nelson, which aims to finish its season undefeated. In the earlier rounds, teams such as Blum, Jewett Leon, and Iola claimed state championships, while Decatur successfully defended its title. Goliad avenged a previous loss to Bushland, and both Clifton and Fort Worth Eagle Mountain secured victories in their inaugural title matches.

Class 5A Championship Matchups

The first game of the day features the Class 5A Division I showdown between the College Station A&M Consolidated Tigers (37-9) and the Dallas Highland Park Scots (42-8) at 11:00 a.m. This marks A&M Consolidated’s first trip to a title game since 2014, while Highland Park aims for its first championship win after previous losses in 2003 and 2008.

Highland Park enters the finals on a remarkable 20-match winning streak, having achieved six consecutive sweeps in their playoff run. A&M Consolidated also comes in strong, winning eight matches in a row. The Tigers boast impressive statistics, including freshman Harper Korenek, who has amassed 477 kills at a hit rate of 27%. Senior Jillian Vinal follows with 305 kills, while four players have surpassed 300 digs, led by Korenek’s 356.

Shortly after, at 1:00 p.m., the Class 5A Division II match will see Cedar Park Timberwolves (38-12) face off against the Argyle Eagles (38-3). Cedar Park is looking to improve on its previous 0-2 record in finals appearances, while Argyle seeks to extend its 17-match winning streak. Cedar Park holds a slight edge in their historical matchup, having won two of their last three encounters, although the teams have not met since 2014.

Cedar Park’s Joy Udoye, a Stanford signee, leads the team with 568 kills this season, while Mya Cheatum adds 411 kills and 155 digs. Argyle counters with a formidable attack featuring Alexis Elsey, who has 312 kills, and Makenna Gregory, who has contributed 545 assists.

High Stakes in Class 6A Divisions

The Class 6A Division I championship at 4:00 p.m. will showcase the Pearland Dawson Eagles (42-4) against Trophy Club Byron Nelson Bobcats (41-0). Byron Nelson, riding a 77-match winning streak, is looking to finish the season undefeated, a feat previously achieved by only one other Dallas-Fort Worth team in 2020. This is Dawson’s first finals appearance, while Byron Nelson seeks to extend its championship success to three titles.

Notably, Byron Nelson’s Kylie Kleckner, last year’s MVP in the Class 6A Division II finals, is joined by returning all-tournament players Sophee Peterson and Ashley Seay. On the other side, Dawson has several Division I commits, including Taylor Ranney, who has signed with Grand Canyon University.

The final match of the day features the Class 6A Division II contest between Austin Stephen F. Austin Maroons (41-6) and Southlake Carroll Dragons (34-5) at 6:00 p.m. This marks Austin’s second trip to the finals, having last won the 5A title in 1992. Southlake Carroll seeks redemption after its 1998 finals loss.

Carroll boasts a roster with eight players committed to college teams, including Layla Austin and Kinsley Young, while Austin’s Maggie McCarroll leads her team with 702 assists. Both teams have strong defensive players, with Austin’s Laven Blumoff leading in receptions and digs.

As the UIL state volleyball championships unfold, high emotions and intense competition will define the final day of this thrilling season.