Bastrop smacks Cedar Creek, prepares for volleyball playoffs
By Jim Irish
Photos by Bella Rice
Bastrop volleyball is already looking ahead to the state playoffs.
After Tuesday’s three-set home victory over crosstown rival Cedar Creek, the Bears are currently in second place in District 24-5A with a 7-2 record (23-14). McCallum dropped to third place after a loss to district leader Anderson.
Bastrop’s two losses in district were close five-set matches against Anderson.
Bastrop, a Division II school, will likely encounter either Weiss or Glenn, the top D2 schools from District 23.
Bastrop first-year coach Brandace Boren said she plans to scout both teams before the playoffs.
"We tried some new rotations with our starting lineup to see if we can get stronger."
-- Bastrop coach Brandace Boren
The Bears advanced to the playoffs last season, only to fall to Weiss in three sets in bi-district.
In preparation for the playoffs, Boren experimented with a different starting lineup against Cedar Creek (12-26, 2-7).
“We tried some new rotations with our starting lineup to see if we can get stronger,” said Boren, who has 23 years as a head coach. “We want to get some different matchups across the net to see if we could split up our hitters a little bit more. We’re just not comfortable in that lineup yet.”
Boren mentioned “secret lineups” for the playoffs.
“We’re trying to prepare all different options,” she said. “We want different matchups depending who is on their front row.”
Bastrop rushed to a swift 25-12 advantage in the first set. Left-handed Olive Eberly, a 6-foot rightside hitter, had most of her game-high 12 kills in the set. Cedar Creek battled resolutely but succumbed 25-21, 25-18.
"I feel with her leadership and her aggressive ability and they way she runs our offense, she absolutely needs to stay in those six rotations."
-- Boren on senior Olive Eberly
In the final two sets, Boren moved Eberly to setter in the 5-1 rotation, which has one setter and five hitters. Eberly adapted well, finishing with a game-high 23 assists and never left the court.
“I feel with her leadership and her aggressive ability and the way she runs our offense, she absolutely needs to stay in those six rotations,” Boren said about her senior captain.
Eberly, a college recruit, was 12 of 29 on kills for a .526 hitting percentage. Harmony Bonner, another 6-footer and middle hitter, had seven kills in eleven attempts for a .545 hitting percentage.
Madyson Sanchez and Harper Stevenson each contributed eight kills. The Bears had an outstanding .316 hitting percentage.
Brelan Fremin and Aydan Connell switched at libero and had 19 and 15 digs, respectively.
Kennedi Clemons added 16 assists.
Bastrop has five district matches remaining, including another against McCallum on the road in the finale. The Bears next face Richards School for Young Women Leaders on the road at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Cedar Creek, sixth in district, plays host to Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas
Comments