By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

BUDA — Behind a monster night from senior outside hitter Henley Anderson, Dripping Springs punched its ticket to the Class 6A Division II Region IV championship with a decisive sweep of Comal Canyon on Friday night at Buda Johnson High School.

The Tigers (29-18) held off the relentless Cougars 25-21, 25-20, 26-24 in a regional semifinal that showcased one of their most complete team performances of the postseason. Anderson was unstoppable at the net, finishing with 30 kills, a .571 hitting percentage, and 15 digs to lead Dripping Springs.

The Tigers’ balance showed across the box score.

Senior Sydney Lund added 10 digs, four blocks and three kills, while junior Madison Sestak tallied six kills, two blocks and a pair of digs. Senior Rihanna Rogers was a force at the net as well, posting six total blocks, while libero Emerson Robbins anchored the back row with 15 digs and a 90.9 percent serve rate.

Dripping Springs hit .321 as a team, racking up 49 kills and 11 total blocks, while holding Canyon (31-14) to limited scoring runs in all three sets.

For Canyon, the loss ended another strong season under coach Heather Sanders. The Cougars were led by senior Maia Aldrich, who finished with eight kills and a .375 hitting percentage to pace the Cougars’ offense. Junior Nahlia Djibril and senior Marlee Lightsey each added six kills, while junior setter Logan Sanders tallied 34 assists and five digs.

With the win, Dripping Springs advances to face District 26-6A Austin High in the regional final. The Maroons swept Laredo Alexander on Friday to set up the third meeting with the Tigers. Austin High has beat Dripping Springs both times this season.

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