Ponder volleyball secures fourth straight regional semifinal berth
The Lady Lions defeated Hillsboro 3-0 to extend a playoff run that now includes a state semifinal appearance.
By Jack Weber ·
Ponder High School volleyball is testing the durability of its recent postseason success. The Lady Lions defeated Hillsboro 3-0 on Monday to advance to the regional semifinals for the fourth consecutive year. This result places the team in a position to challenge for a fourth straight regional final appearance later this week.
The match took place at North Crowley High School as part of the 4A Division II area round. Ponder, holding a season record of 25-22, closed out the contest with a 25-17 victory in the final set. Hillsboro fell to a 0-3 scoreline against the Denton-area squad.
The current season marks a continuation of a rapid upward trend for the program. Ponder reached its first regional final in 2023. The following year, the team advanced to the state semifinals. Last year, the Lady Lions returned to the penultimate round of the playoffs, maintaining a consistent presence in the deeper stages of the tournament.
The victory sets up the next round of competition. Ponder will face the winner of the Tuesday match between Farmersville and Longview Spring Hill. Farmersville enters that game with a 33-11 record, while Longview Spring Hill holds a 26-17 mark. The specific date and time for the semifinal match have not yet been determined.
Other local teams also advanced in the second round. In 5A Division II, Argyle (36-5) is scheduled to play Mansfield Timberview (26-15) at Fort Worth Boswell High. In 4A Division I, Aubrey (40-6) will face Alvarado (12-21) at Fort Worth Castleberry High. Sanger also moved forward after defeating Godley 3-0.
