VOLLEYBALL: Hornets Down Connally, Notch 30th Win

Gatesville High swept visiting Waco Connally 3-0 here Saturday, giving the squad its 30th win of the season and keeping it in the District 17-4A title chase. The Hornets won 25-15, 25-9, 25-22 to improve to 30-7 this season, becoming only the sixth-ever GHS team to reach 30 or more wins in a season and joining the 2005 (33-8), 2008 (30-11), 2010 (35-7), 2011 (37-5) and 2012 (35-6) squads in doing so. "It was a good win and I am proud of our kids for what they have accomplished so far this season," said GHS coach Rickey Phillips. "We've done so against another demanding schedule of big schools and playoff-caliber teams for the most part. However, I'm more proud for our kids because the win keeps us in the chase for the district championship." The victory leaves Gatesville at 5-2 in the 17-4A standings, joining Robinson in a tie for second place with both teams a game behind Lorena (6-1). China Spring (3-4), La Vega (2-5) and Connally (0-7) round out the 6-team standings. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs and while GHS has not yet earned a postseason berth, it can do so with one more win in its last three games to extend the program's playoff streak to 12 consecutive years. Gatesville travels to China Spring on Tuesday (9th Grade at 5:00, JV at 6:00, Varsity at 7:00 PM). "Our kids have had to overcome some adversity and injuries the last three weeks," noted Phillips. "That schedule has definitely paid off and we have benefitted from having a deep bench as well."