Lady Wildcats are bi-district champs
Lake Highlands High defeated Arlington Bowie in the first round of the volleyball playoffs Saturday afternoon to remain undefeated in district play. Tuesday at 6 p.m., the bi-district champions will take on Plano West in the LHHS gym. The Lady Wildcats say they’re ready.
“I’m proud of the way that our team has stayed consistent on and off the court,” says outside hitter Margaret Tipton, “and I’m proud of each and every win we’ve had. I think the key to our success has been in individuals being motivated from within, and then the team coming together to execute that.”
Tipton, who’ll attend Texas Tech next year, has formed strong bonds with her teammates after years of playing together. Still, she says, every match brings new discoveries.
“I think what has surprised me most about this team is how much talent we have,” says Tipton. “My teammates are truly great volleyball players and fun people.”
COVID-19 delayed the start of the volleyball season, halting summer practices and interrupting fall schedules. The girls tried not to let uncertainty knock them off their game.
“The hardest thing was definitely getting a late start,” says Tipton. “I didn’t play for multiple extra months leading up to the season because of the big time gap after club was cancelled and then school ball was delayed. This was definitely an obstacle for getting back in the groove of things and feeling like I should be on the court.”
Also distressing were restrictions on how many supporters could attend games during the pandemic. Seniors, especially, had hoped for LHHS’ typically raucous gyms.
“We all love the student section, so limited fans and admission constraints have been disappointing,” admits Tipton. “Our most loyal students found ways around the obstacles so that they could still come support the team.”
The Texas Girls Coaches Association polls currently have Plano West ranked at 13th in the state and LH ranked at 16th, so a win by the Lady Wildcats would be an exciting upset. Tickets to Tuesday’s match may be purchased online here. Go Cats!
