The Chaps varsity volleyball team advanced into the third round of the 2015 State playoffs, taking home District, bi-District, and Area titles along the way. However, they fell to the 25th best team in the state, Oak Ridge Conroe, on Nov. 10 in the Johnson Coliseum during the Regional quarter finals.

“We all felt really confident heading into the next round versus Oak Ridge,” junior Rebecca Ross said. “We kept improving every game, and there was a lot of energy on our team. I think it was a pretty evenly matched game. Skill-wise we could have beat them if we were focused and kept a pretty positive attitude. We were able to keep it close during the first and second sets, but we just couldn’t gather enough momentum to get back into the game.”

The Chaps boasted a 39-7 record on the season and were ranked 20th in the state heading into the game, and they bested many talented teams such as College Park and Lake Travis. Lake Travis also advanced into the Regional round of the playoffs for 6A.

“Even though we lost we have showed that we were just as good as last year,” captain senior Taylor Flaherty said. “Even though we weren’t expected to have the same success as we have had in past seasons, I think we did very well, and exceeded our own expectations.”

The Chaps came into the Regional quarter finals on a hot streak, winning 19 of their last 20 games and going undefeated in District once again. The Chaps have not let their youth (11 players who are juniors or younger) affect their play much this season.

“Even though we have a lot of young players we continued, to play like a very mature team,” captain senior Claire Hahn said. “We kept our composure and played with confidence even with knowing the importance of every game, and all of the distractions of the crowds.”

Even though the Chaps’ season has ended, they have accomplished more than most people expected them to before the season started.