Two Squads Proving that the Champions Are Still Standing

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school volleyball season is nearing its end and there are some teams and players who are making a name for themselves. This season has proven to be another great showing from our wonderful and amazing players. Let's take a look at some of the intriguing storylines from the Lone Star State as we head into the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southlake Carroll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southlake Carroll took its lumps early this season and now it looks like the defending champion again. The reigning 6A Division II state champs have won 11 straight matches and carry a one match lead in District 4-6A into the final week. The statement win came last Friday when Carroll beat back-to-back state champion Byron Nelson in four sets. That match featured a 28-26 fourth set that tested every nerve in the gym. [player_tooltip player_id='769421' first='Ashlyn' last='O'Brien'] led the attack with nine kills and she is a smart pin who picks her shots instead of forcing swings. The real story was the defense. [player_tooltip player_id='952588' first='Collins' last='Alonzo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='807951' first='Vanessa' last='Glenn'] combined for 52 digs in that match. Alonzo was averaging 5.6 digs per set earlier this fall. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='743563' first='Mariel' last='Elizondo'] spread 47 assists around and kept every hitter involved. She is young but we have her ranked as one of the best setters in the state in her grad class.&nbsp; Southlake Carroll is 21-11, but its schedule has been brutal and its strength rating ranks among the highest in the state. Nobody in 6A will want to see this group in a bracket. They have been a powerhouse over the last few decades and we know they have what it takes for another stellar run in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Byron Nelson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byron Nelson has not lost much over the last three years, so 27-7 feels unusual in Trophy Club. The Bobcats won back-to-back state titles and finished last season 42-0 as national champions in some publications. Their 79 match winning streak finally ended against Allen in August. Byron Nelson answered that loss by winning the Grapevine Fieldhouse Volleyfest tournament the same weekend. The engine is still Texas A&amp;M pledge [player_tooltip player_id='518965' first='Sophee' last='Peterson'], last year's Gatorade and MaxPreps National Player of the Year. Peterson is the top ranked setter in the Class of 2027 and her hands and tempo control can make an ordinary pass look perfect. Belmont pledge [player_tooltip player_id='433667' first='Savannah' last='Sterna'] anchors the back row and made the all tournament team in Grapevine. [player_tooltip player_id='965825' first='Sasha' last='Lanis'] has stepped into a bigger offensive role after the Bobcats lost more than 1,000 kills to graduation. This team is still learning who it is, but it has a championship setter and a championship pedigree. Count Byron Nelson out at your own risk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always stay tuned for more articles on your favorite athletes.&nbsp; If you have anyone you think we should watch out for, please shoot me an email with some info at <a href="mailto:Michael@prepdig.com">Michael@prepdig.com</a>. &nbsp;You can also DM me in Instagram and X by searching @CoachMikeDZ.&nbsp; Also don't forget to help these kids get more exposure by sharing our stories with your friends.&nbsp; Help us help them by simply reposting on X or sharing on Facebook.&nbsp; Thanks for following us, Prep Dig Texas Family!&nbsp; Don't be afraid to interact with us.&nbsp; We love the likes, shares, and quotes/comments.&nbsp; Keep them coming!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->