The Lady Timberwolf varsity volleyball team made their mark at state semifinals. The girls made it to the 2012 Texas Girls State Volleyball Playoff Bracket in UIL. With their goal to play in the state tournament within their grasp, the team lost their final game to Lucas Lovejoy by two points.
“Considering we were one game away from our goal, I’m definitely satisfied to have made it so far,” junior outside hitter and back row player Hailey Roberts said.
Roberts was named Offensive Player of the Year for District 25-4A. She finished the season with 429 kills, 99 serving aces and six assists.
Seniors Hope Lemon, Linda Steinhardt and Tessa Danhert were named first team all-district. Mattie Snyder and Emily Grant were named second team all-district. Stats for the team include 1225 kills, 224 serving aces, 158 total blocks, 1372 digs, 1003 assists, 1569 serving receive successes.
“After working hard in off season, we took everything one game at a time,” middle blocker Snyder said. “Most of us have been playing together since freshman year, but we bonded even more at every game.”
Senior leadership and friendship set a standard early on in the season and carried on throughout the weeks.
“This season was by far the most enjoyable,” Roberts said. “We had team bonding prior to the season at Kirby Lane and threw a team sleepover. It helped by uniting the team and eliminating the usual gossip.”
As stated by Roberts, communication is essential to teamwork both on and off the court.
“It was an awesome season,” middle blocker Danhert said. “There were no fights and we accomplished all of our goals. This season, we really made an impact with our determination.”
At the end of the season, the team was 41-8-0 overall and 11-2-0 in league. Their rank was 85 in the nation and 20 in the state.
“The seniors were close knitted and set an example for the entire team,” Roberts said. “Next year, we’re going to step up and take the leadership. I would be watching for Dana Teets next season.”
As the seniors move on and the new players rise, the Lady Timberwolves plan to continue the tradition of a united and determined team.