EARLY – Heading into their third season under head coach Missy Vaughn, the learning curve for the Early Lady Horns has lessened greatly, but another challenging task awaits with the start of District 8-3A action.
The Lady Horns first must navigate through the pre-district schedule as their season begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when they host Bangs in the first of six matches – along with two tournaments – before league play commences.
“This is my third year so the girls have really picked up on the program we’re trying to instill, what their athletic ability is, and they’re doing a fantastic job,” Vaughn said. “The returners are being great leaders, the intensity level is exciting and fun, and we’re getting things accomplished.”
While the Lady Horns are still relatively young, the strength of the team early on has been the performance of the front line.
“We’re still going to be lacking some with experience at the varsity level,” Vaughn said, “but the girls are really taking advantage of some great play at the net.”
Players to keep an eye on for Early this season include middle blockers Dakota Barksdale and Hadalee Saunders – returning from knee surgery – libero Jenna Hataway, and outside hitters Matty Boswell and Gabby Leal.
“I want to see improvement in our team play and further developing our skills before we get to district,” Vaughn said. “We also need to make sure we have our coverages down on offense and defense. There’s a lot to do, but there’s also a lot of excitement.”
The 14-match District 8-3A slate begins Sept. 8 at home against Comanche as Early will attempt to swoop into the playoff picture which was dominated last season by Peaster, Brock, Millsap and Breckenridge.
“We just want to go in and compete and knock off some teams, and to do that we need to have a healthy year from everybody and have a lot of teamwork,” Vaughn said.
Early Lady Horns Varsity Volleyball Schedule
| Aug. 8 | Bangs | 6:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 11-12 | at Veribest tournament | TBA |
| Aug. 15 | Veribest | 6:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 19 | at Paint Rock | 10 a.m. |
| Aug. 22 | Ballinger | 6:30 p.m. |
| Aug. 25-26 | at Bronte tournament | TBA |
| Aug. 29 | at Lingleville | 6 p.m. |
| Sept. 5 | at Coleman | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 8 | Comanche* | 4:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 12 | Breckenridge* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 16 | at Dublin* | Noon |
| Sept. 19 | Peaster* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 23 | at Eastland* | Noon |
| Sept. 26 | Brock* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 29 | Millsap* | 4:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 3 | at Comanche* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 7 | at Breckenridge* | Noon |
| Oct. 10 | Dublin* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 14 | at Peaster* | Noon |
| Oct. 17 | Eastland* | 6:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 21 | at Brock* | Noon |
| Oct. 24 | at Millsap* | 6:30 p.m. |
* District 8-3A Match