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12/02/2014  Schulenburg Wins 2014 UIL State Volleyball Championship Justin Simmons  Volleyball


Mention the city of Schulenburg to even the most well-traveled Texan and even they may have trouble conjuring up something to say. Schulenburg rests on 2.6 square miles of land, just south of La Grange right off of Interstate 10. Those that enjoy kolaches can probably tell you that Schulenburg koclaches are on par or better than those found out in West. Model airplane enthusiast know that Stanzel Flying Models is located in the city. While fans of polka know that Schulenburg is the home of the Texas Polka Music Museum. Since November 22, Schulenburg is now also known as the home of the Class 2A 2014 UIL State Volleyball Champions.

The Schulenburg Lady Horns (boys teams go by the Short Horns, in case you are wondering) season was nothing short of dominating. According to Max Preps, the Lady Horns went 43-8 overall with a perfect 14-0 in district play. Schulenburg plays in the smallest classification in the state, and its only losses of note were during tournament play to powerhouse teams out of larger classifications like: 4A State Winners-Up Dripping Springs, playoff qualifiers La Grange, Sealy, and Smithson Valley. The Lady Horns rolled through their district schedule only dropping two sets to the entire opposition and earning the number two state ranking from the Texas Girls Coaches Association along the way.

With such a strong regular season showing, a deep playoff run was in the picture for the Lady Horns. The playoffs started with Schulenburg having the bye in the first round. In the area round, they quickly dispatched Medina in three sets. Little did Schulenburg know that they were going to be in for a fight with Anderson-Shiro. Anderson-Shiro survived a five-set match in the opening round. They dropped only one set in the area round to set up the match with the Lady Horns. In their match-up, Anderson-Shiro took the first two sets (25-17, 25-22) and were thinking sweep. Schulenburg battled back, almost teasing Anderson-Shiro, as they coasted while winning sets three and four (25-15, 25-13). Then came the most exciting words in volleyball, set five. Schulenburg had all the momentum and fished off Anderson-Shiro 15-11 in the final set to take the match3-2.

The tight win against Anderson-Shiro seemed to have rejuvenated Schulenburg to play to its fullest potential. Kaufer and Harper both got a first hand lesson in dominate volleyball play as the Lady Horns swept both of them on their way to face Iola at the state tournament. For Schulenburg, making their third straight state tournament appearance, Iola was not an easy draw. Iola strolled through the playoffs without�conceding a set the entire way. At the state tournament, Schulenburg proved to be a superior adversary. Iola was no match for the machine like precision of the Lady Horns attack and was left to ponder about next year in their 3-1 loss.

The win meant just one game left for the Lady Horns. The 2014 UIL State Volleyball Final. Schulenburg looked prime to dominate yet again as they took a tight first set 25-23. However, teams do not get to the state final if they are not worthy. Lindsay was making its second straight appearance at the state tournament and made sure to bring their best game. The Lady Kinghts fought back and took the second set 25-18. Thoughts of going five must of been on everyone’s mind, except for the Lady Horns. They took set three 25-20 and were just one set away from the championship. Lindsay desperate to extend the match kept the fourth set close the entire way. Both teams traded points from the start. The set went from six-all, to 11-all, and eventually 14-all. Schulenburg dropped a point and called a timeout down 15-14. The Lady Horns and Lady Knights continued the close contest, where it was eventually 21-all. Again, Lindsay was able to take a one point advantage and the Lady Horns used their last timeout. Out of the timeout Schulenburg got a fantastic play from Shannon Mikesky (Sr.), and Lindsay immediately took a timeout with the score at 23-all. Both teams fought even to 24-all and the set when into extras. Schulenburg was up 25-24 and came to match-point. Then the culminating moment that will live on forever in Schulenburg athletic history. Kelsie Fiestem (Sr.) with the serve, a bit of a rally, Shannon Mikesky with a cross court set, then the kill off the left side from Bay Guentert (Jr.) set over, match over. Schulenburg fended off Lindsay 26-24 in the fourth set for the 3-1 match victory.

For Schulenburg High School it was a historic moment capturing the volleyball state title for the first time. Upon their return the Lady Horns were given a well deserved parade with the Schulenburg community in full support. The volleyball community knows where Schulenburg is now, at home celebrating their state title.

Pictures courtesy of James Fietsam

Videos courtesy of Tammy Treybig

Credit to Justin Simmons and the USA Today High School Sports powered by KVUE website
USA Today High School Sports