Many achievements can be used to illustrate the consistent success of the Ellison volleyball team, including 13 straight playoff appearances.
However, one feat had eluded the Lady Eagles during that remarkable run. Until now.
Down 2-1 in a Class 5A Division II bi-district match against Midlothian Heritage on Thursday night in Robinson, Ellison stayed afloat in the fourth set then dialed up a winning formula in the winner-take-all fifth set to complete a stirring rally and claim a 27-25, 18-25, 17-25, 25-13, 15-9 victory to secure the first playoff win in since 1985.
“It feels incredible. This group has overcome so much, including injuries, adversity and tough losses. They’ve continued to show up for each other every single day,” EHS head coach Shirelle Givens said. “To see all their hard work and trust in the process has paid off with the program’s first playoff win in 40 years is just so special. I’m unbelievably proud of them and the standard they are setting for future Lady Eagles.”
Ellison (8-33) next plays Mesquite Poteet (32-12) in the area round at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at China Spring High School. The winner faces Prosper Walnut Grove or Frisco Liberty.
The Lady Pirates beat Dallas Hillcrest in the opening round.
Against Heritage (15-25), Ja’Lya Swiney registered 21 kills and 30 digs, Aaliyah Lee added 12 kills and Serenity Ramirez and Chariah Graham combined to produce 43 assists for the Lady Eagles.
Needing to win Game 4 to keep its season alive for at least one more set, Givens said Ellison focused on its energy and communication. She said the Lady Eagles started to play their game instead of reacting to what Heritage was doing on its side of the net.
The momentum they built by forcing a fifth set carried over into the deciding points.
“By the time we got to Game 5, it was all about heart. They dug deep, played fearless volleyball, and leaned on the trust and chemistry they’ve built all season,” Givens said. “That’s what championship character looks like. I’m just incredibly proud of how they responded and finished strong.”
A full playoff slate Thursday also featured Harker Heights and Chaparral in their first-round matches.
The Lady Knights, who were area finalists a season ago, saw their 2025 come to a close, 3-1, against DeSoto at Waco University.
At Waco Midway, the Lady Bobcats, who advanced three rounds deep into the postseason in 2024, ran into a tough Midlothian squad and fell 3-0.
Playoff volleyball photos: www.killeenisd.org/photos