Chaps volleyball team defeats Lake Travis, improves on undefeated District record
Once again, the varsity volleyball team has solidified itself as one of the top programs in Texas, steamrolling its way to an overall 27-6 record, and it’s first in District with an undefeated record of 8-0. With only eight more games left until playoffs, the Chaps look to finish strong heading into the post-season.
“This season has been great so far, and we’ve really improved our play since we first started playing together,” junior Rebecca Ross said. “There’s a lot of energy and spirit on the team, and I’m excited to see how far we go this year.”
The Chaps defeated Lake Travis, ranked second in District, by a score of 25-23, 32-34, 25-19 and 25-21 on Sept. 22 as they improved on their undefeated District record and gathered momentum heading into their last regular season games.
“Even though we have a lot of young players, we played like a very mature team,” senior Claire Hahn said. “They kept their composure and played with confidence, even though we knew how important the game was and how distracting the crowd was.”
The Chaps have notched a solid 27 wins on the season, with their only losses coming at the hands of top programs such as Houston Christian, Southlake Carroll, Reagan, Clear Creek, Canyon and Hebron. In their 33 games, they are beating opponents by a whopping 70 games to 19 games and currently hold a two-game lead over rival Lake Travis for first place in District.
“I think our record reflects just how well we have played so far,” Rebecca said. “We have played some of the best teams in the state and battled with them through several close matches. Since those losses early in the season, we have improved as a team, and we can only get better. I think we have the potential to win State. We consistently learn from our mistakes and we work hard in practice.”
Under coach Al Bennett’s 27-season, more than 800-win career, the Chaps have been one of the top volleyball programs in the state. Westlake has won District 23 of the previous 26 seasons, and sent 70 of its players to play for college volleyball programs.
“We all deeply respect Coach Bennett as a person,” Rebecca said. “But we play for each other and win as a team. No matter what happens we always strive to play at our highest potential and win every match. All of the seniors have assumed leadership responsibilities, and they make sure everyone is doing their part to make the team the best it can be.”
The Chaps host Del Valle on Sept. 29 and travel to Bowie Oct. 2.
