Hereford’s Taytum Stow goes for a block against Lamar Fulshear during the UIL Class 4A state title game in Garland on Saturday. [Matt Smith/ For Press Pass Sports]
GARLAND— The magical playoff run for the Hereford Lady Whitefaces came to a sad end.
Hereford couldn’t keep pace with an over powering Lamar Fushear team (25-20, 25-18, 25-19) in the UIL Class 4A state championship on Saturday afternoon in front of 798 fans at the Culwell Center in Garland.
Fulshear captures its first state championship in its first appearance in school history, finishing their historic season at 44-4.
The Chargers never let the Lady Whitefaces get into a comfort zone with their hard-hitting ability and domination with their outside hitters.
Hereford, which has lived off its defense, had to play on its heels most of the afternoon to try and stop the punch Fulshear packed.
Alexis Dacosta was the story for the Chargers. The strong right-hander was named the 4A MVP with 19 kills, adding 15 digs.
Teammate Ellie Echter was equally dominant with 19 kills of her own.
“Their outside hitters were extremely good,” Hereford coach Catherine Foerster said. “We knew we’d have to be aggressive and not set them up. We didn’t do great at that today. Give them credit, they are a great volleyball team.”
The Lady Whitefaces run to their first state title game since the 2008, and their ninth appearance overall, was nothing short of incredible.
Hereford went 35-15, earning the most wins since the 2009 season. Hereford turned heads at the Region I-4A Tournament when they swept then No. 1-ranked Argyle in a regional semifinal, followed by a sweep of Krum in the championship game.
The Lady Whitefaces carried that momentum to Friday, taking down Carthage in straight sets to get a chance at a state championship.
“Words can’t express how proud I am of this team,” Foerster said. “I love this team and all if my players. What it takes for us to get here is a lot more than others. To be able to get to where we got this year. There isn’t a better word than love. I love this team.”
Hereford says goodbye to seniors Darcy Dodd, Alyssa Vallejo and Hannah Wood.
Hereford players look on during medal postgame medal ceremony. [Matt Smith/ Press Pass Sports]
Vallejo and Dodd are four-year varsity players. Dodd’s storied career at Hereford started as a freshman, when she made playing at the state tournament a goal on a piece of paper. Four years later, it was mission accomplished. Dodd, who made eight kills and 12 blocks in her final game Saturday, leaves as one of the best to wear the Hereford uniform.
“Nobody has more heart than we do as a team,” Dodd said. “Playing at Hereford taught me how to be a better teammate, and I made a family with this team.”
Lamar Fulshear def. Hereford 25-20, 25-18, 25-19.
Records: Hereford 35-15; Fulshear 45-4.
Top performers
Hereford
Kills: Taytum Stow 9; Darcy Dodd 8.
Blocks: Nickiilah Whatley 4.
Digs: Dodd 12; Alyssa Vallejo 10.
Assists: Rainey Aven 15.
Aces: Dodd 2.
Fulshear
Kills: Alexis Dacosta 19; Ellie Echter 19.
Blocks: Echter 1.
Digs: A. Dacosta 15; Brooklyn Dacosta 15.
Assists: B. Dacosta 43.
Aces: Echter 2.