(Photo courtesy of KHS, Sept 14)
Whatever might have been felt or thought early in the Kennedale High School volleyball season this year, which surely was akin to almost total frustration, something kept this group of young ladies together and determined.
the losses mounted …
When volleyball practice began early this school year with the usual excitement and the prospects of a new season, few could have anticipated that the season would begin with a steady series of losses – 10 straight (MaxPreps). Maybe there were some random wins in preseason tournament play that were not noted but still, it would be hard to keep the faith as the losses mounted.
character, fortitude, and sheer spunk …
Nevertheless, new Head Coach Mary Hayes and the team stayed the course and in the process went from losing to winning. Over the last sixteen games, they have posted an 11-5 record. This says a lot about character, fortitude, and sheer spunk.
It will not go down as the Lady Kats’ best season which thus far is 11-15 overall and 5-4 in district play. But, the Kats are in the battle for a playoff spot in District 10/4A, something that is an established tradition for any KHS team.
3rd and 4th place are still in play …
Friday night Kennedale lost to district rival Alvarado. Alvarado is in second place in the district at 7-3 and 20-15-0. Godley is securely at the top with a 9-0 record, and 27-6 overall. A third or fourth-place seed is in play for Kennedale with three games remaining. This includes a decisive one at Ferris next Friday evening. The Ferris Yellowjackets are also working to secure the 3rd slot.
coming up …
This coming Tuesday evening the Lady Kats will host Life Waxahachie (7-17-1, 4-6). Kennedale won an earlier match with Life 3-0.
However, the year ends, this team will not need to hang their head.
2022-23 Lady Kat Roster …
#1 Jenny Phan (Jr), #2 Alexandria Youngblood (Sr), #3 True Johnson (Sr), #4 Kaelin Rubin (Jr), #5 Sheba Serwanga (Jr), #6 Skylar Applewhite (Fr), #7 Haven Verrett (Jr), #8 Kylie Elmore (Jr), #9 Nyah Bumpas (Jr), #10 Kristine Ramos (Jr), #11 Lexi Zamora (Fr), #13 Kenzie Jackson (So), #14 Alayah Wilson (Fr), and #15 Anuva Pradhan (So).
KHS Coaching Staff …
HC Mary Hayes, AC Allison Mantell, AC Sarah Krueger
