Chaparral, Ellison and Harker Heights are set to cash in a season’s worth of resilience as the three battled-tested Killeen ISD volleyball teams enter the playoffs this week.
The Lady Knights, who finished fourth in District 12-6A, play DeSoto in a Class 6A Division II bi-district match at 7 p.m. Thursday at Waco University.
Chaparral, the third seed from District 16-5A, will challenge Midlothian in a 5A-I first-round contest at 8 p.m. Thursday at Waco Midway.
Ellison, the fourth seed from 16-5A, faces Midlothian Heritage at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Robinson High School in a 5A-II showdown.
The path to the postseason for each team had its share of twists, turns, ups and downs, and yet all three reached their goal, doing so in their own unique ways that showcased team chemistry, skill and perseverance.
Harker Heights
Coach Crystal Bennett’s Lady Knights won four of their final six matches –– including key victories over Temple and Bryan to atone for earlier losses –– to finish 6-6 in 12-6A and nab the final playoff spot.
Bennett said changes to the team’s in-game rotations, positional realignments, as well as a collective unselfishness paved the way for the team’s late-season surge.
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We competed well in the first (half of district) but couldn't finish matches, so we changed some of their positions after honest talks about what's best for the team to make them successful,” Bennett said. “I'm very proud of them for putting their egos to the side and working together.”
During the 12-match district slate, junior Mileyana Hopkins averaged a team-high 10 kills per match, while senior Sanua Falaniko averaged seven per match. Falaniko also posted an average of three blocks and junior Mareli Gonzalez posted an average of 15 digs.
“This team is a sisterhood. That was our theme this year and they took that and put it into action. They are a selfless group of young ladies that supports each other on and off the court, and they truly want the best for each other,” said Bennett, whose team is in the playoffs for the second straight season and fourth time in the school’s 25-year history.”
Last season, the Lady Knights won a bi-district title and advanced to the second round.
Chaparral
Coming off a historical 2024-2025 season in which they won the program’s first district title and two playoff matches, the Lady Bobcats dipped into their big-moment experience to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in as many years.
CHS finished District 16-5A at 4-6 along with Ellison and Waco University. The Lady Bobcats then defeated both in a tiebreaker tournament Saturday to secure their berth.
“These girls have had to learn to really trust each other to fulfill their roles on the team and on the floor to get the job done,” head coach Sarah Neal said, saying her team’s performance during the tiebreaker matches was full of “guts and grit.”
Caoimhe Gormley accumulated 828 assists during the entire regular season for CHS, which also got a team-high 470 digs from Mikayla Cromwell, 201 kills and 56 aces from Bailey Thompson and 164 kills and 146 blocks from Joy Beaver.
“Everyone is ready, all the time, to get the job done,” Neal said. “It took every one of us constantly saying, ‘Stay calm, breathe, you got this.’ They had to fight, and they did.”
Ellison
The Lady Eagles also had to show their fight to reach the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year.
Ellison, which defeated Chaparral in the regular-season finale on Friday, Oct. 24 to keep their postseason hopes afloat, was part of the three-team tiebreaker the following day. The Lady Eagles rebounded from their loss to CHS and knocked off University –– which had swept the district series from EHS –– to grab the last playoff spot.
“Making the playoffs is truly a reflection of the heart, resilience and dedication of our athletes,” head coach Shirelle Givens said. “This season hasn’t been easy. Our players have faced challenges both on and off the court, but their commitment to each other and to the program has been incredible. This playoff opportunity is a testament to their hard work and the bond they’ve created as a team.”
Over the course of the season, Jada Hood, Ki’ara Knight-Thompson and Aaliyah Lee each eclipsed 100 kills, Serenity Ramirez tallied 200 assists, Chariah Graham added 150 assists, and Ramirez, Sabra Cannie and Elise Taimasa each recorded 100 digs.
Meanwhile, Ja’Lya Swiney surpassed 650 kills and 700 digs in her career.
“What really helped us this get to the playoffs was our team’s unity and willingness to trust the process. Our coaching staff has told them that the answer to our all of our issues is on our roster,” Given said. “Since then, every player embraced their role and supported one another through the ups and downs. They’ve shown tremendous perseverance and character.”