The volleyball team will compete against Plano West on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the arena.
The team is currently fourth in districts with a 6-6 district record. As districts come to an end, the next upcoming couple games determine whether the team makes it to playoffs.
“We’ve improved from last year, [and] I still think we’re one of the top teams in the district,” head coach Karin Keeney said. “[However, in the game against Plano last week] we looked tired; we had no energy, we were not talking [with each other] and we were definitely not being aggressive. [Whether we] get a playoff spot is all going to depend on how [the next couple of games] play out.”
Plano West is third in districts, with a record of 9-3. Last year, they were district champions with a record of 13-1. Hebron has had a closer rivalry with Plano West for many years, Keeney said.
“Majority of [my kids] play [club volleyball], but all of [Plano’s girls] play at a very high level, so that makes them very competitive,” Keeney said. “They have height, and Hebron’s been tall in the past, but we haven’t been for awhile.”
Defensive specialist Carola Moreno said the team still struggles with consistency, but the overall morale and confidence of the team has grown since the start of the season.
“Districts have been a ride,” Moreno said. “We have to stay focused on our goal, and our goal is making playoffs. Our team has great talent and good chemistry on and off the court. We’ve been working and training really hard, [and] everyone’s confidence has gone up. Knowing [my team,] we can win the game.”
Hebron has not won against Plano West since 2017, when they won 3-0 on Aug. 8. When the team played Plano West earlier this season on Sept. 26, they lost 3-0. A win against Plano West would be a great achievement for the team, outside hitter Sophie Hoke said.
“As a senior, [I want] to try to boost [the team’s] spirits and make them less scared and more excited for the game,” Hoke said. “[Winning against Plano West] would mean so much. Coach [Keeney] would be beyond ecstatic for this win. It would mean a lot — beyond words.”
As the team heads in the final two district games, Keeney said the overall drive for the team has improved since last year.
“One game doesn’t define us,” Keeney said. “It hurt us in trying to get a playoff spot, but anything’s possible in these last [two district] games.”
