By Maggie Theel
Staff Writer
@magggggiee

Both undefeated in district, the Coppell Cowgirls (23-9, 4-0 District 7-6A) took on their rivals the number one Class 6A state-ranked Southlake Carroll Dragons (33-3, 5-0 District 7-6A) on Friday night at home while celebrating their annual Dig for the Cure Night. In an exciting four games, Coppell lost the match and are now ranked number two in District 7-6A while Southlake Carroll takes sole possession of first place.

The first game was extremely close, with aggressive offensive plays from both teams, Coppell and Southlake Carroll remained within one point of each other for the majority of the game. Neither team managed to pull ahead until Coppell won several momentous rallies in a row, prompting Southlake Carroll to call a timeout with Coppell in the lead 19-16. The game remained close due to outstanding offensive from freshman middle blocker Mykayla Myers and junior middle blocker Grace Heaton. The Dragons began to catch up to the Cowgirls and Coppell called a timeout at 21-21; Southlake Carroll called their second timeout of the game with Coppell winning 23-21, then the Dragons managed to pull ahead and win the game 26-24.

Carroll came out strong in the second game, and although Coppell’s defense was solid with great digs from junior libero Lauren Lee and senior outside hitter Caroline Riley, the Cowgirls struggled to match the Dragon’s offense and fell behind early. Coppell called a timeout with Southlake Carroll winning 5-1 and another with Southlake Carroll winning 15-3. Both setters, sophomore Rachel Bohannon and senior Maddie Hood, were struggling to keep their sets clean; numerous double hit calls on the Cowgirls’ sets caused the Dragons to pull ahead even further. Southlake Carroll won the second game 25-5.

Going into the third game, the Cowgirls were determined to secure a win for the night and they came out hard, causing Southlake Carroll to call a timeout with Coppell winning 6-2. With a more effective offense and a relentless defense, the Cowgirls maintained a strong lead for most of the game, only allowing Southlake Carroll to tie it up at 13-13 before they pulled ahead again. Southlake Carroll called another timeout with the Cowgirls winning 19-14, but it was ineffective in deterring Coppell who won the third game with a score of 25-20.

In the fourth game, both Coppell and Southlake Carroll had equally matched offenses and defenses. They rivaled each other point for point and when the Dragons began to pull ahead, Coppell called a timeout with Carroll winning 12-9 and another with them winning 22-19. Coppell began to make up for lost points with aggressive serves and steadfast defense causing Southlake Carroll to call a timeout while they were winning 24-22 and another timeout with the score tied at 24-24. Coppell and Southlake Carroll matched each other in intensity and effort for each point they earned. With a final score of 29-27 Southlake Carroll won the game and with three out of the four games, won the match.

“It was frustrating [to lose],” junior outside hitter Katie Herklotz said. “But hopefully that frustration will turn into motivation to beat [Southlake Carroll] next time because we definitely have the ability to do so.”

The Coppell Cowgirls will have another opportunity to play Southlake Carroll on Oct. 27 at Southlake. They hope to keep improving and beat the Dragons the next time the play.

“We’re looking forward to playing Southlake in the next round,” Myers said. “We’re going to improve our skill level and our motivation to beat them.”