Burnet volleyball beats Blanco in season opener

CAPTION: Burnet senior hitter Wrigley Mulhollan sees an opening for a spike to end a rally in the first set against Blanco. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Burnet High School volleyball team didn’t disappoint in its season-opening win, sweeping Blanco 3-0 Aug. 12 inside The Doghouse.

“Lots of good things,” head coach Crystal Shipley said. “A lot of goods, but there’s so much more that people haven’t seen yet.” 

Though the first set was close with the two teams tying each other at 16-16, the Lady Dawgs (1-0) went on an 8-2 run, finally winning the set 25-20.

They took that momentum into the second set, racing to an 11-1 lead that became 15-2. After timeout, Burnet used a block to start another run. By the end, the Lady Dawgs led 22-9 thanks to a quick set from freshman setter Marisa Porter to freshman middle blocker Landry Schubert in the middle, who slammed the ball with authority.

Two Blanco errors resulted in Burnet winning the set 25-14.

Both teams went back and forth to begin the final game. Senior hitter Wrigley Mulhollan recorded a kill to break the 8-8 tie then sophomore Brooklynn Dawes served two aces, and the Lady Panthers had hitting errors that resulted in a 12-8 Burnet lead.

The Lady Dawgs controlled the final set thanks to scoring in a barrage of ways: a spike and tip by senior outside hitter Journey Denton, another thunderous slam by Schubert, an ace from senior defensive specialist Peyton Allen, and a directional tip from junior hitter Peyton McCabe.

But Blanco battled back thanks to a 5-0 run to trail 17-18. After the timeout, Porter used a dink to jumpstart another run that ensured Burnet led by at least two the rest of the way. Burnet won 25-20.

Of the 15 players on the Lady Dawgs’ roster, six are seniors, four are juniors, two are sophomores and three are freshmen.

The upperclassmen had an answer for just about everything Blanco threw at them. Little fazed them throughout the match, which illustrates their experience and willingness to do what was necessary to win the point.

Shipley mixed in several veterans with freshman middle blocker Taylor Smith, Porter and Schubert. But they stayed on the court together throughout the match. Shipley pointed out they know each other well thanks to playing together for a long time. The three also are on the same club volleyball team.

The coach was pleased with the work of the two freshman middle blockers. Both made it difficult for the Lady Panthers to get easy hitting lanes and defended well. She also was pleased with how Porter distributed the ball to her teammates all over the court. They also served well, Shipley added, pointing out “they hit spots.”

“Marissa knows the hitters a little bit more,” she said. “(Sophomore setter) Brooklyn (Dawes) is learning them. She’s never played with any of these. Marissa has, and I thought she did a really good job.” 

The Lady Dawgs will play in the Lady Jacket Classic hosted by Llano Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16. Burnet faces Junction at 11 a.m., Lampasas at 1 p.m., Graham at 2 p.m. and Llano at 3 p.m. all on Friday then the Copperas Cove junior varsity at 9 a.m. Saturday. The tournament will then go to a bracket the rest of Saturday.

CAPTION: Burnet freshman middle blocker Taylor Smith (19) uses a quick set from freshman setter Marisa Porter (15) for a kill down the middle of the court in the first set against Blanco. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro