GEORGETOWN — A record-breaking 2023 season for Taylor High School varsity volleyball came to a close Thursday night as the Lady Ducks gave Salado High School all it could handle in the area round of the 4A playoffs held at neutral site Georgetown East View High School. The Lady Ducks fell in a hardfought match in four sets by scores of 16-25, 25-20, 22-25 and 25-18.
Taylor, who was fresh off a dominating bidistrict championship victory Monday night over North Forest High School, had its hands full with a Salado Lady Eagles squad with loads of talent but the Lady Ducks rose to the occasion.
Despite a slow start in the first set, the highenergy Lady Ducks were led in the second set with consistent kills at the net from its trio of senior Hannah Wamble, senior Ansley Reed and junior Haley Harms on the attack. Like they have done all season, the other trio of senior Camryn Nunamaker, sophomore Makenna Watson and sophomore Peyton Wamble made plays all over the court defensively and helped set their teammates up for success offensively.
The Lady Ducks had a golden opportunity to turn the match around in their favor in the third set but came up just short, giving the Lady Eagles a 2-1 lead at the time.
Under Taylor firstyear head coach Rylee Davis, the Lady Ducks earned their first district championship since 1988 and finished with a 30-14 overall record, which was the highest win total ever for the program. Although the Lady Ducks will lose great senior leadership next season from Hannah Wamble, Ansley Reed, Camryn Nunamaker and Ri’Queleigh Holmes-Grant, this squad will return a lot of talented players in 2024 like junior Haley Harms, junior Katelyn Aderhold, sophomore Makenna Watson, sophomore Elena Martinez, sophomore Peyton Wamble, sophomore Caroline Tate and freshman Tiana Candee.
Taylor High School varsity volleyball sophomore Elena Martinez (6) and senior Ansley Reed (10) attempt to block a shot at the net Nov. 2 during the Lady Ducks’ area round 4A playoff match against Salado High School. Photo by Andrew Salmi
