By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
GARLAND — Cedar Park’s 21-game winning streak came to an end Saturday, but not in the way the Timberwolves (36-16) had hoped.
All-American and LSU commit Hannah Lee delivered a standout performance with 15 kills, leading Frisco Wakeland to a decisive 25-20, 25-19, 25-23 victory in the Class 5A Division II volleyball state championship at the Curtis Culwell Center.
Despite the loss, Cedar Park’s future looks bright.
“There’s a lot of returning players. I have no doubt they’ll be back next year,” said Sofia Peters, one of only two seniors on the Timberwolves’ roster.
Lee, named the match MVP, lived up to her billing. The stat sheet highlighted a closely contested game with one critical difference—hitting efficiency. Frisco Wakeland (35-6) posted a .269 hitting percentage with 43 kills, while Cedar Park recorded 37 kills and a .179 percentage.
The teams were nearly even in other metrics: digs (56 each), aces (4 each), and blocks (Cedar Park trailed 6-5). The match featured 20 ties and five lead changes.
Cedar Park surged to early leads, including 4-1 in the first set and 9-3 in the third, but Wakeland responded with timely rallies.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” Cedar Park head coach Lori McLaughlin said. “It’s been a historic year, from playing in the first Austin-area semifinal against Georgetown to finishing on the state stage. That’s not a bad accomplishment.”
Junior Joy Udoye led Cedar Park with 15 kills against a strong Wakeland defense, adding to the 75 kills she posted in the previous three matches. Peters, who entered with 111 blocks on the season, contributed four more while tasked with containing Lee.
Lee’s championship-winning kill sealed the match, sparking a jubilant celebration on the court.
“This is the biggest stage any of us have ever played on,” Peters said. “We could have handled it better, but we played a great game. Not every match goes your way, but I’m proud of us.”
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