The Bandera Middle School Lady Bulldogs opened their 2026 volleyball season on the road with a clean sweep over Comfort, earning victories in all four of Thursday’s matches.
8th Grade A Team
The 8th Grade A Team battled through three sets to earn a hard-fought 1925, 25-20, 16-14 victory.
Despite some firstgame jitters and limited practice time together, the Lady Bulldogs displayed effort, hustle and determination from start to finish. As the match progressed, the team settled in, found its rhythm and demonstrated strong serving, passing and teamwork.
Harper Word led Bandera from the service line with four aces. Trenlie Kocurek, Lila Hicks and Marlene Tetzlaff recorded three aces each, while Abigail Wright added two. Kenzie Campbell and Karlee Jaschke contributed one ace apiece.
Hicks also recorded seven digs. Tetzlaff finished with three kills, three assists, two blocks and two digs, while Word contributed three assists and one dig. Jaschke added one kill and two digs, and Wright recorded one kill and two digs.
Everly Vander Zee, Avery Ashcraft and Ireland Young each contributed one kill. Macy Keenan recorded one assist, and Kocurek added one dig.
The season opener provided valuable experience as the team continues working on communication, court positioning, focus and consistency. The Lady Bulldogs supported one another throughout the match and finished the night with a well-earned victory.
8th Grade B Team
The 8th Grade B Team also opened its season with a road victory over Comfort.
Following an unusual week of preparation, the Lady Bulldogs entered the match eager to begin their season. Bandera captured the opening set before dropping the second, then elevated its play to earn the victory in the decisive third set.
The Lady Bulldogs grew more confident as the match progressed, playing well as a group and consistently supporting one another. Under the direction of a new coach, the team has demonstrated a willingness to learn, accept coaching and push itself to compete at a higher level while embracing its mantra, “Outwork Everyone.”
7th Grade A Team
The 7th Grade A Team earned an unforgettable first middle school victory, defeating Comfort in straight sets, 25-20 and 25-10.
The Lady Bulldogs displayed teamwork and confidence throughout the match, with every player contributing to the season-opening win.
Ealyn VanderZee led the team with eight aces, while Karlee Kissee and Mia Cesta recorded four aces apiece. Grace Garcia, Cesta and Kennedi Hatch each contributed one dig. Jude Smith closed out the second set with a kill to secure the victory.
7th Grade B Team
The 7th Grade B Team completed the sweep with a 25-17, 25-20 victory over Comfort.
The Lady Bulldogs worked hard and showed significant improvement throughout the match. Evelyn Walker brought confidence and energy to the court while recording several aces, and Harper Haby followed with strong serving of her own.
Bandera continued to gain confidence as the match progressed and never let up. The team’s effort, determination and teamwork helped secure a well-deserved opening-night victory.
Up Next
The Lady Bulldogs will host the Llano Lady Yellow Jackets in their home opener Thursday, Aug. 27. Press results were not available by press time. Bandera fans are encouraged to fill the stands and support the Lady Bulldogs.
Bandera Middle School volleyball players huddle with their coach during the Lady Bulldogs’ season-opening road match against Comfort on Thursday. Bandera swept all four matches to open the 2026 season. COURTESY PHOTO
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