WooDoo Photo / R. Wooters
Southlake Carroll Varsity Girl's Varsity in non-district action versus Colleyville Heritage. Southlake won 3-0.
The Carroll Lady Dragons officially secured their postseason berth last week, edging out both Northwest Eaton and Justin Northwest in back-to-back five-set battles to improve to 26-5 on the season and 11-3 in District 4-6A play.
On Oct. 14, Carroll went the distance against Eaton, pulling away late for a 3-2 win (25-12, 25-20, 15-25, 21-25, 15-7). The Lady Dragons came out fast, claiming the first two sets before the Eagles rallied to even the match, but Carroll’s poise in the fifth proved the difference.
Three nights later, it was a similar story on the road at Justin Northwest. After dropping the first two sets, Carroll stormed back for another 3-2 victory (20-25, 15-25, 25-21, 25-23, 16-14).
The Lady Dragons have now won five straight and sit comfortably in second place in 4-6A behind unbeaten Byron Nelson (14-0). With just two regular-season matches remaining — Tuesday at home against Hurst L.D. Bell and Friday’s finale at Keller Central — Carroll is locked in for the playoffs, which begin next week.
Leading the way this season has been junior standout Layla Austin, one of the top hitters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Austin ranks among the region’s leaders with 359 kills (3.95 per set) and 376 digs (4.13 per set).