High School Volleyball

‘Not Finished Yet’ Tompkins ready for challenge of state tournament

By Tyler Tyre, Sports Editor
Posted 11/17/22

“It’s a great feeling and everyone is so excited to get up there,” Merrell said. “This is what they have all worked for, was to get to this tournament, but I don’t think that we’re finished yet.”

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High School Volleyball

‘Not Finished Yet’ Tompkins ready for challenge of state tournament

Posted

Tompkins has been wanting to get to this exact moment all year.

The Falcons have worked to reach the state tournament, to go into the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland and have a chance to prove themselves to the rest of the state, and that moment has finally come after a sweep of Cinco Ranch in the Class-6A Region III Final last week.

“It’s going to be so awesome to go in there, be under the light and just experience everything,” said senior outside hitter Tendai Titley. “My whole time playing volleyball I have always wanted to take part in this and play there, to have this opportunity, so I’m so excited to finally get there.”

The Falcons (41-4) have been on a roll and outside of a warmup game for the playoffs, haven’t lost since August. It’s been a blend of experience, high powered outside hitters and young players coming into their own as the Falcons confidence has soared to new heights heading into the state tournament.

“These kids really do love each other, I know coaches say that all the time but seriously, this group is special,” said Tompkins head coach Allison Merrell. “Their chemistry, how they play for each other and the way everyone is included and everybody has a good time together on and off the court, it’s just a special the way this group goes about everything.”

That confidence has only ratcheted up in the playoffs, the Falcons have dropped just one set through their five games and have swept a Ridge Point team that took two sets off them earlier this year, swept a Cinco Ranch team that took a set off them in both district matchups and swept a Clear Springs team that beat the Falcons earlier this season, showcasing how an already strong Tompkins team has only kept improving.

“The newcomers have really come in and they have done so well with getting better and understanding everything they need to do,” said junior outside hitter Skylar Skrabanek. “The experience that a lot of us already had helped them get comfortable and they really have listened to what we have to say and really have let us teach them in some tings. When you add that to the talent we already have, it’s just made us so successful throughout the playoffs because everyone knows what they need to do.”
For the Falcons next test they get Keller (33-11) 5 p.m. Friday at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s state final, which will be played 5 p.m. Saturday.

Keller will be a tough matchup, they have four different players with over 200 kills this season, with Reagan Sharp leading the way with 506 kills, and are a very good serving team. Anna Boatner leads the team in blocks while senior libero Kea Whitlock leads the team in digs. Keller has only dropped three sets through the playoffs while sweeping three opponents.

But no matter who the Falcons opponent is, they are confident, and they feel like they still have business to take care of.

“It’s a great feeling and everyone is so excited to get up there,” Merrell said. “This is what they have all worked for, was to get to this tournament, but I don’t think that we’re finished yet.”

Katy ISD, sports, volleyball, Tompkins, Keller, state tournament