McKinney North volleyball opened its 9-5A district schedule with a decisive three-set victory over visiting Celina. The Lady Bulldogs won the match 25-12, 26-24, and 25-13, improving their district record to 2-0. This win follows a 4-4 record at a tournament in Pearland earlier in the season, where the team dealt with injuries and challenging conditions.
Head coach Libby Rodriguez noted that the team held in-depth discussions after the tournament to refocus on their competitive identity. She expressed satisfaction with the energy and togetherness displayed during the match against Celina. The team has emphasized serving as a primary method for controlling the pace of the game, a strategy that proved effective in this contest.
North recorded 13 service aces in the match. Senior Malia McNeal and sophomore Brynli Burgess combined for three aces within the first seven points, helping establish an early lead. Burgess also contributed 21 digs and was recognized for surpassing 500 career digs.
She recently returned to the team after participating in the U.S. U17 national team’s gold-medal win at the FIVB U17 World Championships in Chile.
Junior Anna Sayman led the team with 15 kills, including seven in the first set. In the third set, sophomore Ella McNeal recorded five aces and contributed to a 12-0 run that closed out the match. McNeal also added six kills, 11 digs, and 13 assists.