Carroll Volleyball has been to two state tournaments, including one state title match and has become a 6A powerhouse. But ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the program has never seen a first round match like this.
But wait Mr. Social Media, I read on the Carroll app that it was a 3-0 sweep. That couldn't have been hard. Ooh but that failed to take into account the opponent. This wasn't your average first round match. The 3-time and defending state champions, Hebron Hawks, were on the other side of the net.
Carroll leapt out to a 24-14 lead in set 1 with 10 straight set points all lined up as pretty as you please, until Hebron fought them all off to send the set to overtime. A Hebron hitting error and a kill by SLC put the Lady Dragons up 1 set to 0. And sent the match off on a thrill ride roller coaster course. The rolls would be reversed in set 2 as Carroll would trail 12-6 before leveling the match at 12, only to see Hebron take the lead again at 19-13. After a timeout, Carroll came back again to eventually take set two 25-23. The final set would also go SLC's way at 25-22.
The Carroll hitting attack was lead by sophomore Natalie Glenn who had a team high 15 kills. Her partner, Annabelle Smith, also had a historic night with 13 kills and 5 blocks. Harper Hallgren completed the triumvirate of Lady Dragons who had a great night with her 7 kills and 10 digs. Kendall Gilpin was stellar in the back with 6 digs. Obviously you don't de-throne the 3 time defending champs without everyone playing well.
Head Coach Teresa Dunn said "it was a privilege to be able to walk into practice today and be one of the 64 teams still playing volleyball after defeating such a great team as Hebron."
For all the adversity in October this is not a match Carroll would have won earlier in the season. Every hiccup in district served this team well last night as they battled and stayed strong against a Hebron squad that did not want to give upon their ring. Well earned, first round victory Lady Dragons.
So how do you guard against over-confidence after such a big win? Play just over 48 hours later of course. That's right, your Lady Dragons will play on Thursday, Nov. 1st at 7:30pm at Coppell HS vs. Lake Highlands in the Area round.
Student tickets are $3.00 and adults are $5.00. All district passes will be accepted. Carroll will serve as the home team.