By George Slaughter
GARLAND—The Seven Lakes Spartans won the Class 6A state title in volleyball, defeating Klein in four sets Saturday at the Curtis Culwell Center.
Seven Lakes finishes with a 25-1 record. The Spartans’ only loss this season came against Tompkins, in November.
“Not even the coronavirus could stop this resilient team,” Kerri Finnesand, Seven Lakes High School principal, said. “After our school had to temporarily close to COVID-19 cases, which affected the volleyball team, you would have thought the virus would have defeated their dream for a state championship but this team is a tru example of our Spartan Strong spirit.”
Seven Lakes coach Amy Cataline said the title came with great levels of resilience.
“The players gave it their all, both on the court as well as in their studies,” Cataline said. “Most importantly they played with their heart, which ultimately won them the championship.”
Klein, which came into the match undefeated, finishes at 27-1.
The state title in volleyball is the first for a Katy Independent School District team.
The Spartans came close in 2017, reaching the state title match but losing to Lewisville Hebron.
Senior Ally Batenhorst was named title game Most Valuable Player with 30 kills. Batenhorst, a University of Nebraska commit, earlier this season was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Match, to be played New Year’s Day in Orlando, Florida.