Cedar Park tops Liberty Hill to make second straight trip to UIL volleyball state semifinals

By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

The Cedar Park Timberwolves punched their ticket to the UIL Class 5A Division II state semifinals for the second straight season with a decisive sweep of District 25-5A rival Liberty Hill, winning 25-16, 25-20, 25-17 in Tuesday’s Region IV championship match.

Cedar Park (37-12) controlled the match from start to finish, using a balanced attack and one of its cleanest defensive showings of the postseason.

Senior outside hitter Joy Udoye powered the Timberwolves with a match-high 19 kills while hitting .325 on 46 swings. Senior right side Mya Cheatum added nine kills, and freshman Riis Britt chipped in six kills while hitting .600.

Defensively, the Timberwolves were outstanding.

Senior libero Katelyn Hughes anchored the back row with a match-high 23 digs, leading a Cedar Park unit that racked up 62 digs. At the net, the Timberwolves added four total blocks, with Britt and senior Sienna Benavides each recording solo blocks.

Liberty Hill junior outside hitter Hannah Griffin led the Panthers with 14 kills, while senior opposite Falon Stroup finished with nine kills. Senior Charisa Tuley posted a team-high 10 digs, but the Panthers struggled to generate consistent offense or string together extended runs.

The win sends Cedar Park back to the state stage, where the Timberwolves will face Region III champion Friendswood in the Class 5A Division II state semifinals at the Merrell Center in Katy.

Liberty Hill’s season concludes at 37-11.