The Coppell volleyball team came into it’s season with a new coaching staff. Led by Coppell coach Libby Pacheco, the team adapted to new coaching and game styles. 

Needing a win to claim the fourth and final playoff berth from District 6-6A, the Cowgirls lost to Hebron, 3-0, at Lewisville on Oct. 29. Coppell ends its season 26-12.

“It definitely impacted this season a lot, because it wasn’t just like one new coach, it was a completely new coaching staff. Which was a lot to go on, as a senior, to be coached by the same people for my entire life,” Coppell senior libero/defensive specialist Beca Centeno  said. “[Pacheco] really worked hard to build that trust and build the team dynamic.”

Hebron capitalized off its strong right side.

“It wasn’t our best game and we fell short,” Centeno said. “Hebron had one really big middle, and they ran our offense really fast. They had a pretty big right side [as well]. We knew that our block was going to have to stay with them.”

The Cowgirls entered the match focusing on their defense.

“One big thing we were working on was defense, defending the right side because we knew their strongest hitters were on the right side,” Centeno said. “As well as getting our block up and pressing because they had some really big hitters.”

Key players for the Cowgirls include Coppell junior setter Taylor Young and the Cowgirls’ outside hitters, who worked to block around Hebron’s hitters.

“Some of the most important players on our team during this game were our outside, we put a lot of pressure on them to produce and they were up against the biggest hitters,” Centeno said. “It was really important for them to hit around that big block and produce for the team. Our setter, Young, was our only setter. It was really big, because we knew that they were going to attack that side. She played some really good defense and was really important in the game.”

The match was tight throughout.

“It’s hard to stay motivated after you lose two sets, and you’re going into a third set knowing that it might be like the last one is really nerve racking,” Centeno said. “Especially when they’re at game point, you’re trying to protect, you’re trying to still be there for the team and still be in the game. But in the back of your head, you’re like ‘this could be my last point ever’ so it’s really stressful.”

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