By Moses Leos III.
The message was clear for the Hays Lady Rebel volleyball team on Tuesday night: They must protect their house.
In front of a raucous home crowd, the Lady Rebels dominated San Antonio Highlands in straight sets (25-10, 25-13, 25-10) in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
Hays advances to play state-ranked Dripping Springs in the Area round on Saturday.
Hays senior Sydney Paradeaux (2) rockets home a shot past a San Antonio Highlands player in the Lady Rebels’ bi-district playoff match on Tuesday night. The Lady Rebels dominated from beginning to end, defeating Highlands in straight sets (25-10, 25-13, 25-10) to advance to the area round of the playoffs. (Photo by Moses Leos III) |
Prior to the game, Hays head coach Erica Walther said she wanted to ensure her players did not take Highlands lightly.
They did anything but, using crowd momentum to fuel an 18-3 lead in the first set. Hays eventually won it by 15 points.
Overpowering play continued in the second set, as a strong kill from Sydney Paradeaux gave Hays a 7-2 advantage.
Highlands was unable to find an answer for Paradeaux, who led all players with 15 kills. Hays head coach Erica Walther was pleased with the all-around effort from her hitters.
“I’m glad I have them on my team. They are working hard on calling shots and hitting shots,” Walther said. “I think Sydney and the other girls saw the court really well. I’m proud of them. It was a good effort.”
A strong defensive presence from Hays kept Highlands at bay. The Lady Owl offense struggled to maintain consistency.
Junior Kathryn Wristen, who led all players with 27 assists, felt the energy of the crowd and team helped spur success.
“Our energy was up to par. That’s a major concept to the game itself,” she said. “We had to focus on the game, and keep in tune to what we were doing.”
Hays took set two by 12 points. They finished off Highlands in a near repeat of the first set, as Hays proved too much for Highlands to handle.
The dominating win over Highlands was a confidence booster for the team, according Wristen. In addition, she felt the team’s final regular season game – a loss to New Braunfels, a 5A team – proved beneficial.
“It’s to our advantage to play higher level teams,” Wristen said. “When we play in [4A], we are stronger and mentally ready.”
Now the Lady Rebels prepare for their Area round match against Dripping Springs.
Saturday’s match will be the second meeting between the teams this year. Hays defeated Dripping Springs in four sets on Aug. 19.
However, Dripping Springs is currently ranked seventh in Class 4A according to the Texas Girls Coaches Association, and is currently on a six game win streak, having not given up a set during that stretch.
Wristen said it was an honor to take on Dripping Springs. While the team knows they’ve won against the Lady Tigers, they realize it means nothing come playoff season.
Walther also recognizes that, and expects Saturday’s match to be an exciting one.
“We have to serve tough, play good defense, pass the ball well, and hopefully the hitting will take care of itself,” she said. “I’m excited (for) a good, tough, challenging match.”
Hays and Dripping Springs Area round playoff match is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at Wimberley High School.
