HUNGRY QUEST FOR MORE

Coming off first playoff win in 20 years, Clifton Lady Cubs opens Class 3A volleyball season with experienced, talented team aiming for fourth straight trip to postseason

After winning a volleyball playoff game for the first time in 20 years last season, the Clifton Lady Cubs will be looking for their fourth straight trip to the Class 3A state tournament when the 2024 Texas high school volleyball season opens this week.

But the Lady Cubs enter the campaign hungry for more. With seniors Brylee Heim and Camy Barsh leading the way, the Lady Cubs also have sophomores Brystel Wise and Madison Otter returning to the experienced and talented starting lineup.

“I am really excited for this year,” said Clifton volleyball head coach Joy Ritzmann, entering her second season returning to guide the Lady Cubs as a veteran coach after starting her career in Clifton. “Everyone has a year under their belt, so there will be a little more experience on the floor. Of course, our goal will always be to win a district championship.

“Last year was a great season, and we made almost all the goals that we set at the beginning of the year. It was great to finally win a playoff game and break the 20-year drought. But that was just the beginning.”

Coming off a solid performance in a dual scrimmage against Class 4A Waco Robinson and Hamilton last Friday afternoon, the Lady Cubs open the season by hosting the Hico Lady Tigers Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Clifton High School gymnasium before heading to the Leon Tournament this Thursday-Saturday.

“Friday’s scrimmages were great for us,” said Holzmann, who coached in Clifton for the first 11 years of her career, leading the Lady Cubs to district championships, qualifying for the Regional Tournament several times, and advancing to the State Volleyball Tournament. “We were able to go against some bigger and stronger teams, and we were able to compete with all of them. The intensity and team bond was great throughout the day. I was very pleased with the outcome of Friday.”

Maintaining an extremely busy schedule the first month of the season, the Lady Cubs will be playing in three tournaments this month, including the Clifton Tournament Aug. 29 and 31. In the process, Holzmann not only expects to see how her team stacks up against a vast array of quality opponents, she plans to get her younger players the experience they need to be ready for District 17-3A competition.

“Yes, playing three tournaments back-to-back is a lot, and we will get challenged early at the Leon Tournament,” Holzmann said. “This tournament, along with Glen Rose Tournament, will have some really good teams there. We will see where we are at early this week.

“I’m hoping to get better each match that we play and be able to do the little things right. Our defense will also need to continue to get better each match that we play. I’m also hoping for us to play well together and get really comfortable with each other on and off the court.”

After earning a playoff berth for the third straight season by finishing third in District 17-3A behind champion West and runner-up Grandview, Clifton (25-16) won its first postseason match since advancing to the Regional Semifinals in 2003.

“I was so happy for all the girls, especially our seniors,” Holzmann said. “We worked all year long to get to that championship. That was one of the goals that we set at the beginning of the year. We wanted to be Bi-District champions, and I’m so glad that team got to experience the championship. I’m super proud of winning 25 matches, which is not easy to do. And I’m super proud of the dedication, determination and hard work of all the girls.”

Following last season’s success, Wise was named the All-District 17-3A Blocker of the Year, Barsh drew first-team, all-district honors, Otter was named to the second team, while Heim and junior Addison Martin received honorable mention.

Wise led the Lady Cubs with 67 blocks and 268 kills while smashing 50 service aces and coming up with 340 digs, while Barsh tallied 142 kills and 57 blocks. Setting up the offensive attack, Otter finished with a team-high 733 assists along with 155 digs and 53 service aces.

This season, Holzmann expects juniors Alexa Lane, Sophie Ritzmann and Piper Bennette to contribute by moving up from the last year’s junior varsity squad. And she’s delighted about the potential of freshmen Scarlett Kennedy, Lucy New and Taliyha Davenport.

“I’m really excited about the non-starters this year because they are ready to step in and contribute at any time. I’m so excited to get things started. This is a special group of girls with great character and a lot of determination to win and get better. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”