Lady Kat Volleyball ready for more after cracking 2018 year

What was not to like about the 2018 Lady Kats volleyball team? Undefeated in district play at 12-0, 12 all-district players including most valuable hitter, newcomer of the year, coach of the year, eleven all-academic honors, a qualifier for the third round of the state playoffs and finishing with a 26-17 record. {{more: continue ?}}

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They were the only the third team from Kennedale to reach that level in the state playoffs, capturing both a bi-district and an area title to go along with their district championship.

What about 2019?

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Second year Head Coach Kelly Carl, the District 5-4A Coach of the Year in 2018, believes if you liked last year, you are going to love this year. Twelve of the fifteen member team of 2018 return this year plus the Kats lost just one starter.

Returning this year are senior Lillian Rychlik (3x All-District), junior Bryley Steinhilber (MVP-Hitter 2018, Newcomer of the Year 2017), sophomore Maddie Pyles (Newcomer of the Year 2018), junior Tatum Pavey (All-District 2018), sophomore Bridget Barton (2nd Team All-District 2018), junior Katie Spell (Honorable Mention 2018 & All-District 2017) and sophomore Gracyn Reed (Honorable Mention 2018). Also returning are juniors Angel Mahjoub and Micah Johnson along with sophomores Taylor Poore, Bridget Barton and Casey Guerry.?

Now, if you ask this year?s group what was not to like about last year, they would all say the 3-2 lost to Sanger in the regional quarterfinals that ended their season way too early.

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They can?t have a do over but they can make another state run.

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First match this week …?

The Lady Kats played their first scrimmage on Saturday and will have another scrimmage at Burleson. First match is against Arlington Heights (A) followed by a couple away tournaments and individual matches at South Grand Prairie before they are able to play their first home match vs Burleson on September August 27 with the varsity game set for 6 p.m.

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District play …?

Kennedale opens up their defense of the 2018 District 9/4A title with a match against Benbrook September 13 beginning at 5:45 p.m.

In district play Kennedale swept all 6 opponents. Benbrook finished 2nd followed by Western Hills, Castleberry, Lake Worth, Diamond Hill-Jarvis and Dunbar.?

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Last year, Kennedale finished #20 in Texas Class 4A according to MaxPreps. With the talent that they have returning from that team, the Lady Kats are going to be one of the favorites this year. ??

Lady

Kat 2019 Volleyball Schedule

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