by Moses Leos III
In a thrilling four set match, the Hays High volleyball team (5-4) outlasted Dripping Springs 3-1 (25-23, 15-25, 26-24, 25-22) in its home opener on Monday night.
Hays hoped to use lessons learned at the Texas Volleyball Invitational in Pearland Thursday through Saturday last week.
In that tournament, Hays faced off against stout competition, including reigning 4A champion Lucas Lovejoy. They finished 3-4, but learned valuable lessons in the process.
“We learned a lot during the tournament,” Hays head coach Erica Walther said. “It was great playing against high level competition.”
Against Dripping Springs, Hays put those skills to the test.
The teams split the opening two sets.
Hays trailed, yet kept pace in the first set. They rallied late to claim a 1-0 lead.
Dripping Springs countered in the second, pulling to a 15-8 lead, never looking back and winning by ten points.
Mistakes hurt the Lady Rebels in the second set.
“[In] the second set, we made a lot of errors. Serving errors, hitting errors,” Walther said.
Walther said the team needed to regroup, focusing on making smart and aggressive shots.
Hays continued to stumble when they entered the third set. Dripping took a 5-1 lead before Walther called a timeout.
The team struggled to gauge Dripping Springs’ presence on the net. Senior outside hitter Sydney Paradeaux, who had a game high 26 kills, and her teammates attempted to break through.
“It was competitive [on the net],” Paradeaux said. “They have some big hitters. We had to adjust and try to get around them.”
Hays struggled to get a lead, eventually falling behind 18-13.
Another rally was in store for the Lady Rebels. Strong defense supported the Hays comeback. Junior defensive specialist Madison McCauley and junior outside hitter Kara Conn led the team with 15 digs each, keeping the Rebel rally alive late in the third set.
“Our defense improved as the match progressed. It kept us in the game,” Walther said. “When Dripping Springs made tough shots at us, we were able to dig some up, transition and put the ball away. It was an all around effort from all of our girls.”
With momentum and crowd support. the Rebels outscored Dripping Springs 13-6 to close the third set.
Junior outside hitter Shannon Park said it was really intense during the back-and-forth match.
“It’s crazy. You have to focus on what you are doing and take your time,” Park said. “We have to keep calm and try not to get too overwhelmed.”
Hays earned a 6-2 lead to open set four, building it to 20-15. However, Dripping Springs didn’t quit, tying it 22-22.
Walther and her kids made note of the determined Dripping Springs squad.
“[Dripping Springs is] a great, great program,” Walther said. “They have lots of good hitters [and] passers. They are an all around great team.”
Hays took charge to close the match, using strong play from Paradeaux and Park, who had 11 kills.
Paradeaux succeeded in flummoxing the Lady Tiger defense.
“I was trying to find the [defensive] holes on the court. I was also mixing up my shots,” she said.
Ultimately, Walther was pleased with the effort.
“We knew we needed to serve tough to get [Dripping Springs] out of system. They are a great team,” Walther said. “They adjusted really well to the feedback we gave them. I am really proud of the girls.”
The team hopes the experience creates success.
“It was a difficult [match],” Park said. “It’s something we have to get used to. It’s not going to get any easier during district.”
Leading the Lady Rebels in assists was junior setter Kathryn Wristen with 45. Morgyn Greer led Dripping Springs with 17 kills.
Hays will next participate in the Fraulein Volleyfest Tournament in New Braunfels Thursday through Saturday before traveling to Wimberley on Aug. 27.
