Volleyball: Winner of 4 of last 5 games, Seven Lakes making push at perfect time
Spartans' win over Jordan on Tuesday tightens hold on third place in District 19-6A with second place in sights
FULSHEAR — Seven Lakes dug itself sizable holes in two sets during Tuesday’s 3-1 win (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22) over Jordan at Jordan High.
In the third set, ahead 2-0 in the match, the Spartans fell behind 13-5 and 19-12, respectively. An admirable comeback attempt fell short in a 25-22 setback.
In the fourth set, Seven Lakes trailed 21-16 before going on a 9-1 flourish for a 25-22 win to secure the match.
“It seems to be our M.O. to dig ourselves a big, fat hole and claw out of it,” Seven Lakes coach Amy Cataline said. “So, I was proud of the grit.”
Grit has defined the Spartans lately.
Tuesday’s win was Seven Lakes’ fourth in its last five games and tightened its hold on third place in a congested District 19-6A.
Seven Lakes improved to 8-4 in 19-6A, 26-9 overall, and now owns the season series over Jordan. Jordan, meanwhile, fell to 7-6 in 19-6A, a game behind Taylor for the fourth and final playoff spot with three games left.
“Very big win, especially because this definitely kind of assured that we do have that fight and mentality to make it to playoffs,” said Seven Lakes junior outside hitter Lily Lott, who had 13 kills and three blocks. “Especially with how difficult of a fight it’s been in district so far. So, we’re very excited.”
The Spartans are accustomed to contending for district championships, not merely playoff positioning, at this point of the season. But their core, while experienced, remains young.
Middle Heidi Wingate and setter Kate Avery Kuehn are the lone starting seniors. Otherwise, the Spartans rely upon Lott, sophomore outside hitter Gracie Hobin, junior libero Megan Chapman and precocious freshman middle/right side hitter Nlonna Okwuru.
Lott, Hobin and Chapman, particularly, represent the program’s central figures. Lott and Hobin are the Spartans’ top two attackers, and Chapman is one of the top liberos in the district who earlier this month surpassed 1,000 career digs.
“They’re a lot more consistent, all three of them,” Cataline said. “Last year, they would have these amazing plays but the consistency wasn’t there. This year, they’re just way more consistent.”
Cataline said the next step for Lott and Hobin, who combine to average 6.9 kills per set, is “being playmakers.”
“Being able to audible where they are at any moment and be confident to go up, not just by pin but anywhere,” Cataline said. “The growth would be them moving around more in a play and calling for different sets.”
During this recent surge, which includes wins over postseason contenders Katy, Taylor and Jordan, Seven Lakes is moving the ball exceptionally well on offense to keep defenses on their toes.
Against Jordan, for instance, Hobin had 14 kills. Lott had 13. Okwura and Wingate each had nine.
“Making sure we’re able to work around whatever the other side has ready for us,” Lott said.
“It’s been a lot of making sure we work together as a team,” Lott added. “Making sure we have good chemistry, especially after losing quite a few seniors from last year and having some new players. But I think we’ve made some great strides so far.”
Seven Lakes closes its season with Paetow, Tompkins, Mayde Creek and Morton Ranch. The Spartans’ only true test of that bunch will be Tompkins, which is 10-2 in second place in 19-6A and beat Seven Lakes 3-1 on Sept. 24.
Cataline likes the way her girls are playing heading down the final stretch.
“It’s always fun when you get in the second round of district because you know the team you’re playing,” Cataline said. “You can have a game-plan and be more strategic. The girls are executing the game-plan well; tonight was the best they’ve ever done executing a game-plan.”
The Spartans are only two games back of Tompkins with four games left for second place. Tompkins finishes on a difficult schedule of first-place Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, Katy and Taylor.
Cinco Ranch and Seven Lakes are all but sure playoff locks, and Katy and Taylor are fighting for their postseason hopes as the season winds down.