Neches Storms Back in Third Set to Steal Title From Water Valley

GARLAND, TX-- The Water Valley Lady Wildcats came just short of their third state championship in a straight set loss to Neches.

The Lady Wildcats fell 26-24, 25-19 and 26-24 at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland on Thursday.

Water Valley scored the first point in the first set and didn’t lead again until a 6-0 run in the third set, capped off by a service ace from Cayce Jackson, put the Lady Cats up 16-15.

The Lady Cats looked poised to make a comeback with a 23-20 lead in the third set. Neches went on an impressive 6-1 run to close out the third set and win the match.

Water Valley was outhit by Neches .189 to .117. The Lady Cats had 128 attacks to Neches’ 127.

Senior Kenzie Jordan left it on the court in her final high school volleyball game by posting a double-double with 13 kills and 12 assists in the loss. She was one dig away from a triple-double.

Cayce Jackson was second offensively for Water Valley with seven kills. Jackson led the team with three service aces.

Chesney Baker and Kalysta Minton-Holland each had five kills.

Baker also finished third on the team with eight digs.

Shelby Kolls had two kills and Baily Dawson had one to round out the Lady Cats offense.

Kolls was still involved in the offense with 15 assists. Baker had three.

Kirstyn Greebon had 14 digs and a service ace to her name in the loss.

The Lady Wildcats finish as state runner-ups with a 31-12 record.