VOLLEYBALL: GHS Downs CS, Claims Playoff Berth

Gatesville made its final road trip of the regular season Tuesday night, downing China Spring 3-2 in District 17-4A play. The Hornets won 15-25, 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 15-6 to keep a share of second place in the league race with Robinson - both teams are 6-2 and trail Lorena (7-1) by one game with two matches to play. The victory also secured a playoff berth for GHS, marking the 12th-consecutive season for the program to advance to postseason. "It was a tough win at a place that is always tough to play," said Gatesville coach Rickey Phillips, whose club is now 31-7 overall. "Our kids held their composure and made the plays to win the match at the end. I am proud of them for securing the playoff nod, but they realize we aren't done just yet." Stat leaders: Kills - Lexi Hall 19, Robin Galiano 10, Michaela King 9, Mikayla Heckmann 6, Yazmin Robledo 4; aces - Galiano 2, Makaylee Mueller 2, Laura Vega 2; assists - Heckmann 38; digs - Mueller 25, Galiano 17, Hall 9, Vega 5; blocks - Galiano 3, Hall 2, King 2. "We had a lot of kids contribute tonight...from talking on our bench to making a play or two or several on the floor," added Phillips. Gatesville has two games remaining and both are at home. GHS hosts La Vega here Friday (JV-9th at 4:30, Varsity at 5:30 PM) in a special "Pink-Out Game", then closes the regular season here next Tuesday against Lorena. "We take care of business Friday night, then we will be playing for a share of the district championship next week," said Phillips. "Probably not many folks outside our circle thought that was even a possibility a few weeks ago considering our injury situation, but our kids have rallied together and are finding ways to win."