STATEMENT MAKING WIN

By dismantling Class 2A’s second-ranked Bosqueville in straight sets, Class 3A Clifton Lady Cubs surge into state poll at No. 11, host West in District 17-3A opener Friday

After building momentum by playing in a whirlwind of tournaments early in the 2024 Texas high school volleyball season, the Clifton Lady Cubs emerged knowing what it will take to beat some of the best in the state.

As a result, the Lady Cubs have won five straight matches, not to mention 14 of their last 15 contests, all by three-set sweeps. In the process, Clifton has posted 20 wins before District 17-3A competition begins this week, reaching that benchmark by sweeping past Class 2A’s second-ranked Bosqueville Lady Bulldogs, 26-24, 25-16, 25-14, on the road last Tuesday night.

With the dominating win over a state-ranked team, the Lady Cubs (20-10) vaulted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s Top 25 poll as the Class 3A’s 11th-ranked squad in the state.

“Getting 20 wins was one of our goals for the year,” Clifton volleyball head coach Joy Holzmann said. “As I mentioned, we have made goals and set standards for the season, and we are very intentional about making our goals. It is not easy to win 20 games, and we have played some really good competition. So, I am proud of the girls for making that happen. For the win against Bosqueville, it was the entire team because everyone played great.”

With Bosqueville (26-2) entering the match with only one loss on the season, the Lady Cubs came from behind to win the first set before dominating through the next two sets on their way to victory. Senior Brylee Heim led the Lady Cubs with 10 kills, four blocks and nine service receptions, followed by sophomore Brystel Wise with nine kills, 10 digs, eight service receptions and three service aces, along with senior Camy Barsh with five kills and five blocks.

“Our game against Bosqueville was so good,” Holzmann said. “We were determined to go their place and beat them. We came from behind to win the first set, and I think that set the tone for the rest of the match. In the second and third sets, we completely took them out of their game. Once again, this was a great match with the entire team being a part of it.”

Working all over the court, sophomore Madison Otter led Clifton with 22 sets, along with four kills and four blocks, followed by junior Addison Martin with nine digs and seven service receptions, freshman Scarlett Kennedy with a team-high 14 service receptions and seven digs, as well as freshman Taliyha Davenport with four blocks.

“Camy Barsh had a great blocking game along with a great hitting game,” Holzmann said. “Blocking the big girl was one of Camy’s goals for the game, and I believe she blocked her three times. What a great match for the Lady Cubs and beating them in three was even better. I’m so, so proud of the girls and what they are doing.”

After taking a much-deserved break in the schedule for Homecoming on last Friday, the Lady Cubs aim to maintain momentum in their final non-district game as Clifton hosts the Bruceville-Eddy Lady Eagles (12-8) at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Clifton High School Gymnasium.

“Not playing this past Friday proved to be a great day off,” Holzmann said. “We have been going hard since Aug. 5. I think having a day off on Friday will help the girls. They will be rested and ready to go. As I mentioned earlier in the year, my girls have set goals and they are very determined to make them happen.”

After one last non-district tune-up, Clifton will open District 17-3A play against possibly the best opponent the Lady Cubs will face by hosting the West Lady Trojans (20-10) at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

“Opening district against West will be good because my girls are so ready to play them,” Holzmann said. “So why not go ahead and open up with them? My girls are really excited about getting district started and opening up with West. It will be a great match up for sure. It will be nice to be at home also. I’m sure we will pack the stands for this one.”