WooDoo Photo / R. Wooters
The Carroll Lady Dragons showed Tuesday night that they can compete with anyone in the state.
Ranked No. 34 nationally and No. 2 in the Dallas-area 6A poll, Carroll battled top-ranked Trophy Club Byron Nelson in a four-set District 4-6A showdown, ultimately falling 25-13, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-19.
Nelson, the defending Class 6A Division II state champion and nation’s top team, extended its winning streak to 66 matches while improving to 30-0 on the season. Rice pledge Ashlyn Seay led the Bobcats with 32 kills and 11 digs and Texas A&M pledge Sophee Peterson added 48 assists and 19 digs, showcasing top-notch talent all over the court.
Carroll took control early in the third set, winning it 25-23 to become just the second team all season to take a set off Nelson. Seniors Layla Austin and Kinsley Young anchored the attack, with Austin tallying kills that kept the Dragons in striking distance while Young contributed key blocks at the net. Seniors Abby Huddleston and Lauren St. Charles added clutch plays that helped Carroll rally late in the set, forcing Nelson to call timeouts in an effort to regain momentum.
Despite falling in the fourth set, Carroll’s performance highlighted their resilience and talent. As of October 1, the Lady Dragons have three players ranked among the areas best statistically: Austin with 293 kills (4.1 per set), Eyster with 420 assists (5.8 per set) and Young with 75 blocks (1.0 per set).
District play remains tightly contested. Carroll’s 21-5 overall record and 6-3 district mark keep them in strong position in 4-6A. With six district matches remaining, Carroll will look to use the lessons learned against Nelson to fuel the remainder of their season. Pushing the nation’s No. 1 team to four sets is a statement: the Lady Dragons belong in the conversation when it comes to top-tier volleyball in Texas.
Upcoming Lady Dragons District 4-6A Matches:
Friday, Oct. 3 – at Trinity
Tuesday, Oct. 7 – vs Keller Timber Creek
Friday, Oct. 10 – at Keller
Friday, Oct. 17 – at Northwest
Tuesday, Oct. 21 – vs L.D. Bell
Friday, Oct. 24 – at Keller Central