Burnet volleyball shows its mental toughness in win against Blanco
It’s almost as if there wasn’t an offseaon.
The Burnet High School volleyball team began the 2022 season with a win against Blanco 19-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-12, 16-14 Aug. 9 in front of a packed crowd at The Doghouse. Students, alumnae, family members and fans were treated to outstanding play from both teams, Burnet head coach Crystal Shipley said.
“It was up and down the entire match but when it clicked, it clicked,” she said. “I’m so proud of them for not giving up when it would have been easy to back down, especially in set five. They truly punched adversity in the face. Blanco is always good. It was a great team win.”
Burnet showed its toughness in the fifth set as it fought off four match points led by junior defensive specialist Addie Houston. Down 10-14, Houston served and kept serving until the Lady Dawgs got the win.
“She stepped up to the service line where many struggled,” the coach said. “With a great defense backing her and everyone doing their job, Addie served through point 16 to win the match with an ace. I believe this was a major step forward for all of them as a team in many ways.”
The Lady Dawgs had many new faces on the varsity with the veterans. Shipley noted the players are still learning much about each other.
“Our offense is getting better,” she said. “It just takes time to build the chemistry. Our defense is scrappy because our girls are tough, but we have to get faster at transitioning. I know that will come with more experience. Team chemistry and trust are at the top of the priority list. They all have great energy, effort and attitudes. When all of that (plus) the chemistry and pace of the game come together, this team will be hard to beat.”
Junior outside hitter MaeSyn Gay led with 18 kills, while senior defensive specialist Addie Grace Hernandez had 26 digs. Senior Lainey Rye led with 21 assists followed by Camryn Courtney with 16.
Shipley said these Lady Dawgs embrace all that comes with wearing the Kelly green and are willing to put in the work to ensure success this season.
“I’m totally pleased with how they are coming together,” she said. “They truly want the best for our team and for each other. These girls are more than I could ever ask for. Their passion, heart and work ethic is simply incredible. They made everyone proud, and I’m so glad so many got to see them.”
Burnet will play in the Wimberley Tex-Fest Tournament Friday-Saturday, Aug. 12-13.
The Burnet junior varsity and freshmen also beat Blanco. The freshmen won in straight sets, while the junior varsity earned the win in three games.
“The freshman team came out on fire and dominated. They are a spunky, hard-working group. They started their high school careers with a great team win,” Shipley said. “The JV battled in a tough, exciting match. Many long rallies, and our girls wrapped it up with a win. It took great teamwork and grit to get it done. They are an athletic, scrappy group and will be fun to watch this year.”
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STATISTICS
Kills – MaeSyn Gay 18, Laney Huffman 8, Lauren Howton 7, McKenzie Davis 6, Sydney Robison 4, Zaria Solis 4; digs – Addie Grace Hernandez 26, Reagan Shipley 15, Lainey Rye 15, Camryn Courtney 7, Gay 5, Howton 5, Houston 4, McKenzie Davis 3, Solis 2, Huffman 2; assists – Rye 21, Courtney 16, Houston 2, Shipley 2, Davis 1; aces – Houston 4, Rye 4; blocks – Gay 3, Solis 2, Howton 2, Huffman 2
