The Eagles’ volleyball team finished district with a record of 12-2 and were named Co-District Champions for district 10-5A.

Senior outside hitter, Capri Davis, feels excited for their success knowing her team had plenty of obstacles they had to overcome throughout the season.

“I am so proud of my team for finishing so high, especially with all the injuries we’ve faced this season. We’ve worked really hard to earn second and we knew the potential of our season and we didn’t settle and we don’t plan on it either,” Davis said.

Freshman defensive specialist and libero, Trinity Bryant, will play in her first high school playoff game on Monday. Bryant isn’t too sure what to expect, but realizes how important it is for her and her teammates to play their best.

“I’m super excited to be on the road to state but at the same time I’m really nervous because it’s win or go home. We need to bring our A game every time we step on the floor. I don’t know what to expect going in but I am sure I’ll adapt quickly and play the game the way I know I can,” Bryant said.

Davis has been a starter on varsity since her freshman year and has the most playoff experience on the team. As a captain, Davis sees part of her duties as mentoring and being a role model to the players that have no playoff experience. Her best advice to the underclassmen is to keep on doing what they’ve been doing.

“Don’t change what you’ve done to get here, it’s just another game. Don’t put added or unnecessary pressure on yourself to the point that you forget what you’ve done to get here. Just play with your heart and leave it all out there on the floor because, it could be the last game you’d ever play with this team,” Davis said.

Senior defensive specialist, Alexis Praytor, has plenty of playoff experience. Also a captain, Praytor feels its important for the underclassmen to adapt and learn from the experience.

“Doing the little things will go a long way. They can’t let their fear get the best of them, everyone is going to make mistakes, we just can’t afford to make the same mistakes twice. Learn from the mistake and move on to the next play, once you get used to the atmosphere, you’ll realize that it is just another game,” Praytor said.

In addition, Praytor sees the underclassmen as part of her legacy during her time at Lake Ridge.

“I mentor them a lot because I want to leave a lasting impression on them, so they’re ready for the following years after I’m gone. The time is going to fly by and I’ve been through a lot, so I want to share my experiences with them as much as I can so, they can learn from my mistakes,” Praytor said.

Playoff preparation began Wednesday after the victory over Summit but in prior games, it wasn’t just about the physical preparation. It was also about getting mentally prepared, according to Bryant.

“Before each game we share inspirational quotes and my favorite was by Jesse Owens. He said, ‘We all have dreams, but in order to turn dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.’ The quote showed us that there is a game within the game and we can win by doing the little things,” Bryant said.

Davis feels her team will be successful because they are committed to being the hardest working ones out on the court.

“We have a tendency to understand that we have a lot of potential as a whole team, but we can’t become content wth just the idea of potential. It will be about mental toughness and who is willing to put in the work to be better than the rest,” Davis said.

The Eagles’ first stop on their road to state will be at Alvarado High School against Burleson on Monday October 30.