Burnet volleyball adds another bi-district championship

The Burnet High School volleyball team crushed Waco Robinson 25-11, 25-15, 25-15 Oct. 31 in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

This is the fourth consecutive bi-district championship for the Lady Dawgs.

Burnet (26-12, 8-2 District 24-4A) will meet Caldwell at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Georgetown High School in the area round of the playoffs.

Lady Dawgs head coach Crystal Shipley noted her players have had productive practices and have their routine down.

“We knew at the end of district we had to step it up and hold each other accountable even more to get to where we want to be,” she said. “It is really something they have to have within; we talk about it all the time — they have to want to win, they have to want to prepare to win. Like (football head) coach (Bryan) Wood says, ‘The standard is the standard, and we ain’t comin down!’ There is a standard and expectation, and our kids know and believe in it, that is what drives them to play at a high level.”

Shipley credited the staff and lettermen for helping the newcomers adjust to the different feel of the playoffs versus the regular season. 

“Luckily, most of these girls have been a part of playoffs, so they are a big part of helping the first-timers get comfortable,” she said. “You have to practice and talk about everything, so they know what to expect. The more mentally prepared they are and know what to expect, the better they play.”

The coach has pointed out part of the success of the program is the players’ genuine love for each other. The seniors are inclusive of every athlete, whether she plays on the varsity or not. That closeness has formed strong bonds where the Lady Dawgs want to deliver great results for each other.

“It is definitely one of my most favorite things,” Shipley said. “This is a special group and (s)how they love and support each other. It takes away so many things that can poison a team. They truly understand that leaving a legacy and building a program is so important.”  

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