The reigning District 5-5A champion Aledo Ladycats are set to defend that title this season.
Last season, the Ladycats (34-9, 11-1) swept through the district competition after dropping their first league contest at home to Northwest in straight sets. Aledo’s impressive 11-game winning streak saw the Ladycats drop only four total sets in that duration and the momentum carried over into the postseason.
Aledo rolled past Fort Worth North Side 25-2, 25-9 and 25-10 before running into a strong, experienced Birdville squad. In that area round matchup, Aledo emerged victorious in five sets (21-25, 25-15, 25-17, 23-25 and 15-9).
Aledo’s strong 2023 season came to a close against the then-defending champion Colleyville Heritage Lady Panthers in a four-set slugfest (22-25, 25-19, 24-26 and 18-25).
Aledo lost star outside hitter Vivian Parker to graduation in May as she begins her next chapter as a collegiate athlete, playing volleyball for the Missouri Lady Tigers. However, Aledo will boast tremendous frontline experience with returning seniors Kinley Elms, Haley Lowe, Ella Isbell, and junior outside hitter Alyssa Todd.
The Ladycats will have upperclassmen leadership on the back end as well, led by senior setter Ava Reding, along with junior setter Sophia Frank, senior defensive specialist Logyn Denbow, junior libero Ella Meador, senior libero Kenrie Pruitt, and senior defensive specialist Morgan Estevez.
The Ladycats will open up their season at 6 p.m. Monday at home against Liberty Christian.
The Lady Kangaroos will be led by new head coach Courtney Gammett. She replaces Karli Morrison, who took a position at powerhouse Canyon Randall. Gammett is a 2010 Peaster High School graduate who spent the past four seasons coaching at Godley High School.
Last year, the Lady Roos (20-24, 9-5) finished in third place in District 3-6A and reached the bi-district round of postseason play, where they bowed out to Byron Nelson in straight sets (17-25, 14-25 and 10-25).
Weatherford lost 6-foot-3 senior Jordan Northcutt to graduation, as she now plays collegiate volleyball for NCAA Division I Montana State. However, they return several experienced players, starting with star junior outside hitter Claire Conner.
The Lady Roos will also bring back impactful players such as Roisen Owen, Maris Boop, Carley Cienega, Reagan Rees and Berkley Austin-Roark.
The Lady Eagles are looking to bounce back this year after finishing 2-11 overall in 2023. The Lady Eagles will be led by head coach Jessica Sims and junior setter Sadie Gough, senior defensive specialists JulieAnne Hart and Rylie Reeder, and senior middle blocker Micah Breisch.
Trinity is also aiming to increase its district record from a 1-7 campaign last year that saw the Lady Eagles finish in fifth place out of six schools in TAPPS 4A District I.
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