The Lady Warriors won Friday’s area match playoff game against the Klein Oak Panthers by a score of 3-1, leading them to the third round of the UIL State Volleyball Championship. The team finished district undefeated and have swept their way to continuous victory. They’re now ranked seventeenth in the state.

The girls lost their first set with a score of 24-26, due to hitting and service errors, but didn’t prove defeated; the team came back. Players such as Tori Clitheroe ‘17 aced all of her serves, Emily Low ‘18 achieved a .421 hitting percentage, and Paige Etherington ‘17 had 53 assists. They ended their second set 25-16.

“Klein Oak was a crazy strong team, and I think it was a great wake-up call for the team. It reminded us the need to fight to get back the game,” Clitheroe said. “Starting down a set was really good for us because from there, we needed to be ready to push through anything to get a win.”

Having to go above regular scoring, the team won 27-25 in their third set. There were several hustle plays made by each player, and the errors were unforced. With frequent high intensity plays, the team stayed in control and finished strong.

“I think we did a really good job of just playing as a team; we came together and trusted that we would do our jobs,” Remy Corbin ‘17 said. “We now know when we play together, cut down in our errors, and take care of our side of the court, we’re unstoppable.”

The final set score ended with 25-22. Cara Dolbear ‘17 won the last point with a strong attack which erupted the crowd in excitement. The game ended in four sets and a memorable Warrior win.

“The feeling of watching the ball hit the floor and knowing that we just won felt incredible,” manager Makenzi Pryor ‘17 said. “I feel genuinely happy knowing we are advancing to the next round. The girls played so well.”

The Lady Warriors will play again Tuesday, Nov. 8 against Bowie in their Regional Quarterfinals playoff game.