The Hutto Hippos varsity volleyball team finished their season with a 21-20 overall record and a 9-7 mark in district play, placing fifth overall — just one spot shy of a playoff berth.
The season began on a challenging note, with the Hippos dropping their first three matches in straight sets to Gateway College Preparatory, Concordia Lutheran and Pieper. However, Hutto quickly turned things around, rattling off five consecutive wins without dropping a set. After navigating a mixed out-of-district schedule, the Hippos entered district play with a 14-12 record.
Hutto opened district competition with back-toback victories over Round Rock Westwood and McNeil. They split their next four games, with wins against Cedar Ridge and Manor and losses to Round Rock and Stony Point. After consecutive defeats to Vandegrift and Vista Ridge, the Hippos rebounded with two wins, bringing their district record to 6-4 as they entered a crucial fivegame stretch to vie for a playoff spot.
Despite their efforts, the Hippos closed the season 2-3, narrowly missing the playoffs by one game.
Hutto’s standout players included senior setter/hitter Isabella Orton, senior middle hitter Delijah Bedford and senior libero Macie Atkinson.
Next season, Hutto will need to replace key veterans, as it featured six seniors on the roster.
Despite this, the future looks bright with young players like freshman libero Teegan Combs, freshman outside hitter Ellie Witcher and sophomore right-side hitter Lola Polsley all returning as the Hippos hope to clinch a playoff berth this time around.
