UNSTOPPABLE FORCE THWARTED

After dominating Class 3A, DII Bi-District playoff win over Scurry-Rosser, Clifton Lady Cubs eliminated in Area by eighth-ranked Lexington

After looking like an unstoppable force with a Class 3A, Division II Texas high school volleyball playoff win last week, the Clifton Lady Cubs ran into a postseason juggernaut much sooner than expected.

Flying high from their impressively dominant four-set victory over the Scurry-Rosser Wildcats in a Class 3A, DII Bi-District match last Tuesday at Waxahachie High School’s Mike Turner Gymnasium, the Lady Cubs quickly came back down to earth as the eighth-ranked Lexington Lady Eagles handed Clifton a decisive four-set loss in the Area Playoff match last Thursday at the Riesel ISD Urbantke Gymnasium.

As their season comes to an end, the Lady Cubs (7-3, 3rd in District 17-3A, 30-14 overall) posted a 30-win season, advanced to the playoffs for the fourth straight season as the third-place team in district, and won a playoff game for the second straight season after a 20-year drought.

“I told the girls after the loss on Thursday that I was so proud of them,” Clifton volleyball head coach Joy Holzmann said. “I told them it’s not easy to win 20 games and they finished with 30 wins which is so impressive. Not many teams can say they won 30 games and finished in the top 32 in the region. So, that is a huge accomplishment, and these girls are so deserving of these accomplishments.”

As sophomore Madison Otter spread the offensive attack around with 53 assists, sophomore Brystel Wise smashed a game-high 22 kills to lead the Lady Cubs over Scurry-Rosser in dominating fashion. 25-10, 25-19, 24-26, 25-6. After Clifton cruised to overwhelming wins in the first two sets, the Lady Wildcats battled back to take the third set.

But with freshman Scarlett Kennedy getting hot at the service line with three aces down the stretch, the Lady Cubs left no doubt in putting Scurry-Rosser away in the fourth set for the win.

“The match against Scurry-Rosser was awesome,” Holzmann said. “The girls were so ready to play and determined to get the win, and I think that’s why we started so strong and finished so strong. We had a game plan and the girls followed to the end.”

In a total team effort, senior Brylee Heim finished with 14 kills, two service aces, five blocks and 14 digs, while freshman Taliyha Davenport contributed 10 kills and five blocks, and senior Camy Barsh crushed seven kills and four blocks.

In addition to running the offense, Otter delivered two service aces and served for 16 points, while Wise came up with 22 digs and 18 service receptions, Kennedy dove for 21 digs and 17 service receptions, and junior Addison Martin served for 11 points.

“I would like to recognize freshman Lucy New for stepping in and playing front row when Brylee Heim was having some issues with her back,” Holzmann said. “Lucy stepped in and did great. That’s impressive for a freshman to come in during a playoff game and play a position she hasn’t been playing.”

With only one day to prepare on the quick turnaround, the Lady Cubs started slow against Lexington in the Area Playoff match last Thursday at the Lady Eagles (8-4, 3rd in District 19-3A, 33-18 overall) soared to an impressive, 25-19, 25-15, 21-25, 25-20, win. After losing the first two sets, Clifton fought back to win the third set before some questionable calls proved to be the difference in the fourth.

“We fought to the very end against Lexington,” Holzmann said. “And with a couple of calls in the fourth set at crucial times made the difference in the game. But I have to give Lexington credit, because they played well.”

In the losing effort, Wise led the Lady Cubs with 16 kills, 20 digs, 19 service receptions, and serving to a team-high 12 points, followed by Heim with nine kills, three blocks, 20 digs and 24 service receptions, as well as Barsh with five kills and seven blocks.

Directing the offensive assault, Otter delivered 36 assists, along with five kills and three blocks, Kennedy came up with 15 digs and 23 service receptions, Davenport smashed six kills, and Martin contributed 10 digs.

“After losing the first two sets, the girls grit and determination won that third set,” Holzmann said. “We started strong, and then got rattled in the first and second sets. With the leadership of Brylee Heim and Brystel Wise, and the grit of the team, we were able to pull out the third set.

“My two seniors were very special this year. Brylee and Camy showed great character and leadership on and off the court. I don’t have enough words that describe what they mean to me and this team. They are a huge part of our success that we had this year. I hate that the season has come to an end, and Brylee and Camy will be missed tremendously.”