Plano East senior Simone Heard hits the ball over the net against Plano West on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Photo by Andy Redmond / C&S Media

By David Wolman

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Area volleyball teams resumed district play last week after completing a tough preseason schedule that saw Plano East play matches against state- and national-ranked teams.

Plano East began last week with a hard-fought 3-0 loss (25-17, 25-22, 26-24) against crosstown rival Plano West. 

The Lady Panthers received great offensive production from their leaders in kills on the season. Senior Simone Heard posted a team-high 14 kills, followed by 13 kills from senior Marisabelle Sias. Junior Leyna Anderson and senior Salma Abdelhamid led Plano East’s defensive efforts on the front row, with each player contributing four blocks. Junior Dakota Huynh notched 21 digs to pace the Lady Panthers’ defensive efforts in the back row. Seniors Emma Reeves and Megan Nguyen combined for 27 assists. 

Plano East bounced back Friday, rallying from a 10-point loss in the first set to defeat Prosper in four sets (15-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21).

Heard finished with a whopping 24 kills to pace the Lady Panthers’ offense along with five blocks, followed by 10 kills from Sias. Junior Dakota Huynh posted 27 digs to lead Plano East’s efforts in the back row.