Crawford’s bid for a repeat title fell short against Iola, but the Lady Pirates end a 33-15 season proud of their growth, resilience and return to the state stage.
GARLAND, Texas — For the second straight year, Crawford fought its way back to the UIL state volleyball championship, but the Lady Pirates fell short Friday in a sweep against Iola — the fifth state meeting between the two programs in the last nine years.
Iola’s attack overwhelmed early and often, with standout Shaylee McKnown earning State Championship MVP honors after piling up kills and delivering momentum-stopping plays throughout the match.
Crawford countered with balanced scoring from Ella Connell, Megan Ray and Ainsley Anderson, but every time the Lady Pirates surged, Iola answered. In the third set, Iola closed the door with a dominant hitting percentage and aggressive serving to clinch the title.
Despite the loss, Crawford head coach Jeff Coker praised the team’s growth throughout the season.
“This team is so amazing to me because, you know, we graduated 6 kids last year, 3 of them that played in college this year, and, uh, and just to be able to come back and, you know, Ella was really the only one that was in the same role that she was in last year. we got a lot of kids that got great experience this year. And so I think, you know, that’ll, that’ll pay dividends for us in the future, but it doesn’t, it doesn’t make it hurt any less right now, that’ll pay dividends for us in the future, but it doesn’t, it doesn’t make it hurt any less right now.”
Junior Ella Connell echoed that sentiment, reflecting on what this season meant.
“This group has just been so much fun, like probably my favorite team I’ve ever been on, and it’s just been. Just a really good ride and I’m just so proud of everyone and how much growth we’ve had since day one.”
Crawford ends its season 33-15.