Lady Scots Hope Experience Yields Net Gains
Highland Park made a splash with its debut in the state’s top classification on the volleyball court last fall, finishing second in District 10-6A and advancing to the Region II semifinals.
Such playoff success isn’t unusual for the Lady Scots, but last season might have only been a warm-up, considering the talent returning. Of the 10 varsity players coming back, most were starters a year ago.
Although a handful of seniors contributed along the front line, last year’s team featured more juniors than anything else. And now those girls will return with an added year of 6A experience, postseason experience, and added motivation.
Among the top returnees for the Lady Scots at the net are Falyn Reaugh, Elizabeth Gilley, and Peyton Eisnaugle. HP also has plenty of experience at setter with Landry Ray coming back, and on defense with Madeline Bonnet. The top newcomer might be hitter Jordan Westendorff, who played at the JV level last season.
“The experience is significant,” said HP head coach Michael Dearman. “While we did lose some offense, I really feel good about what we have coming back.”
They will need to replace the void left by Allegra Munoz, Eleanor Watson (who signed with Mississippi State), Grace Bonnet, and Caroline Downing.
Last season’s playoff run included consecutive sweeps of Sachse and Waco Midway that put the Lady Scots in the regional tournament, where they fell in three sets to eventual state champion The Woodlands.
HP will open the season today with a home match against Red Oak, and will start district play on Sept. 11 at Richardson Berkner. A home match against defending 10-6A champion Richardson Pearce concludes the regular season on Oct. 27.
