Plano East freshman Ava Nzegwu jumps in the air for a hitting attempt against Plano West on Oct. 20. Photo by David Wolman / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Last year produced one of the best seasons in program history for Plano East’s volleyball team.
The Lady Panthers won 31 matches and reached its first regional final since 2008.
However, the Lady Panthers entered this season facing the challenge of replacing several key players lost to graduation.
Two of the biggest departures came on offense, where Plano East had to replace a combined 1,024 kills from back-to-back District 6-6A MVP Simone Heard and Mari Sias. The Lady Panthers also needed two new setters following the departures of Emma Reeves and Megan Nguyen.
Despite those losses, Plano East hasn’t missed a beat.
The Lady Panthers recorded their fifth consecutive winning season under head coach Sarah Perez and are headed to the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Plano East capped a 29-10 regular season with a dominant 25-14, 25-6, 25-11 sweep of Berkner on Friday, finishing 11-3 in district play in its first season in District 7-6A.
Sophomore Anna Lukas led a balanced offensive attack with 10 kills and also distributed 12 assists. Senior libero Dakota Huynh added 16 digs.
The Lady Panthers earned District 7-6A’s No. 1 Class 6A Division I playoff seed.
Plano East is scheduled to open the postseason tonight at 6:30 p.m. against South Grand Prairie at Thomas Jefferson High School. The Lady Panthers are 1-0 this season against the Lady Warriors, having earned a 25-16, 25-18 win during Plano East’s second match of the season on Aug. 13. The winner of tonight’s match draws the Hebron-McKinney Boyd winner in the area round next week.
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