EARLY – Coming of a 12-16 campaign that included a 5-9 mark against District 8-3A competition, the Early Lady Horns will attempt to make a push for the playoffs in 2024 as the volleyball campaign kicks off Tuesday at Brownwood.
The Lady Horns finished in fifth place in the district race last year, one spot shy of their first postseason berth since 2019.
“Last year we gave them a run for the money and hopefully we can do that again this year,” said Lady Horns head coach Missy Vaughn. “We want to be in contention for a playoff spot.”
The district remains intact with the exception of Brock, which has moved up to Class 4A, while Tolar vaults up from Class 2A and now occupies the eighth spot. The rest of the district features playoff teams from a year ago Peaster, Millsap and Breckenridge, along with Eastland, Comanche and Dublin.
Players to watch for the Lady Horns include setter Grey Pruett, middle blocker Jensyn Raspor, outside hitters Gabby Benson and Karly Smith and defensive specialist Piper Pederson.
“Our strengths are teamwork, communication is a big positive, and camaraderie is a positive thing for our team this year,” Vaughn said. “We’re young so we’re going to have to build off being young, but I’m excited to see what this season holds.”
As for what Vaughn wants to see from the Lady Horns prior to district, she said, “A lot of competitiveness. Once they get to working together more they’re going to be good, they just need more experience. The girls are filling those positions well for the ones we’ve lost in the past. They’re coming together, they’re looking really good, and I’m excited to see what this season holds.”
Regarding what it will take for the Lady Horns to get over the hump and make a return to the postseason, Vaughn said, “Obviously gain experience through games, take one game at a time, and keep taking one step forward.”
Early Lady Horns 2024 Varsity Volleyball Schedule
| A13 | at Brownwood |
| A16-17 | at Veribest tournament |
| A20 | at Ballinger |
| A 22-24 | at Brownwood tournament |
| A27 | San Angelo Cornerstone Christian |
| A29-30 | at Bronte tournament |
| S3 | Coleman |
| S10 | at Brady |
| S13 | at Millsap* |
| S17 | Peaster* |
| S21 | at Comanche* |
| S24 | Breckenridge* |
| S27 | at Eastland* |
| O1 | at Tolar* |
| O4 | Dublin* |
| O8 | Millsap* |
| O11 | at Peaster* |
| O15 | Comanche* |
| O19 | at Breckenridge* |
| O22 | Eastland* |
| O25 | Tolar* |
| O28 | at Dublin* |
District 8-3A Matches