The Lubbock High School Lady Westerners kicked off their district season with a dramatic and hard-fought victory against the Caprock Longhorns, winning in a five-set thriller. The emotional rollercoaster of a game, played on Tuesday, August 20th, ended with Lubbock High winning 3-2 (25-23, 25-22, 16-25, 19-25, 15-13). This win not only marked their first district victory of the season, moving their record to 1-0 in district play, but also served as a sweet redemption from last year’s heartbreaking loss.
Lubbock High came out strong, showing impressive focus and teamwork in the first two sets. They secured a tight 25-23 win in the first set. They followed up with another solid performance, taking the second set 25-22. The Lady Westerners’ defense was consistently shutting down Caprock’s powerful attacks, while their offense executed smart plays to keep the pressure on. The crowd was on its feet, sensing an early victory.
However, the game took a sudden turn in the third set. Caprock, refusing to back down, regrouped and came back with a renewed intensity. The Longhorns dominated the next two sets, winning 25-16 and 25-19. Lubbock High struggled to regain their early momentum, and the emotional tides turned, leaving the match tied at two sets apiece. The pressure was on for the deciding fifth set.
The final set was a test of both team’s mentality of who wanted the win more. Caprock seized the early advantage, jumping out to a commanding 8-3 lead. Last year, the Lady Westerners had been in a similar five-set battle against Caprock at Caprock but fell short, losing 2-3. It looked as if history might repeat itself. This year, however, the team dug deep. Displaying incredible heart, they chipped away at Caprock’s lead point by point with each play. The team’s hard work shined through as they fought their way back, tying the score and eventually pulling ahead. The atmosphere in the gym was electric as every point was fiercely contested with both JV’s and Freshman teams along with Lubbock High’s Varsity Cheer going back and forth in cheer battles. Lubbock High’s ability to maintain composure under intense pressure was a testament to their growth as a team. They closed out the set 15-13, securing the victory and their first district win.
This victory is a significant one for the Lady Westerners. It not only puts them in a strong position early in the district race but also provides a confidence boost for the rest of the season. Their overall record now stands at 2-4. The leading stats came out to be: Marisol Alejandro, 11, had 12 digs. Jazline Astorga, 11, had 17 set assists with 1 ace and 15 digs. Nora Crago, 9, had 1 kill and 2 blocks. Addiysn Moser, 11, had 14 kills, 1 ace, and 1 block. Braeley Muniz, 12, had 28 digs and 2 aces. Lincoln Scheppler, 11, had 8 kills. Emery Stice, 12, had 13 set assists and 1 ace, and Taylor Waden, 12, had 9 kills, 1 ace, and 1 block, and 9 digs. The Lady Westerners’ journey has just begun, and this victory is an unforgettable start.