By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

After Monday’s close, 3-2 loss to the Woodlands, the Vandegrift Lady Viper volleyball team ends its season by making school history by going deeper into the playoffs than any other VHS 6A volleyball team. 

“We ended our season with the strongest ever playoff run for VHS volleyball in 6A, finishing Regional Quarter Finalist,” said Melissa Southall, head volleyball coach.   

Annie Stadthaus had a commanding game with 28 kills and Delaney Dilfer led the team in assists on Nov. 11 at Bryan High School. 

“Unfortunately, we finished short in the exciting 5-set match against the Woodlands,” Southall said.

The Lady Vipers narrowly lost the final set after winning the first two sets and losing the next three to the Highlanders: 25-23, 28-26, 14-25, 21-25, 13-15. The Woodlands, with a 15-1 district record, is listed as the No. 5 team in the state and 35th nationally, according to MaxPreps. 

Prior to Monday’s loss, the Lady Vipers were named 6A area champions after winning the area playoff game against Oak Ridge on Nov. 8 at A&M Consolidated High School.

“Winning the second round of playoffs is something that has never been done before in this program, and to be the first team to make that happen is so incredible,” said Egadi Santos, VHS junior volleyball player. 

The Lady Vipers ended the season with 14-2 in district play and 37-11 overall. Ultimately VHS made it to the final 32 teams in Texas in 6A volleyball out of 254 teams. The Lady Vipers are listed as No. 24 in the state’s top 25 teams, according to MaxPreps. 

“I’m very proud of all the girls and their efforts this season, they worked really hard to compete in a tough district and go on to make a great playoff run,” Southall said. “The seniors have done a lot for this program and they will be missed but I have confidence in our returning athletes that they will continue the legacy modeled before them.”