Lady Dragons Ready for Clash with No. 1 Byron Nelson

Lady Dragon Volleyball is stepping into the biggest challenge of their season this Tuesday: a showdown against the nation’s top-ranked team, Byron Nelson. Carroll enters the match at 21-4, while Byron Nelson is undefeated at 29-0.

Head Coach Leslie Jackson, now in her third season with the Dragons, says the timing couldn’t be more important.

“We’re through preseason play and the first round of district. We had a bye last week, and now we’re about to kick off the second round starting with Byron Nelson on Tuesday,” Jackson said. “We’re looking for a lot of competition and a lot of energy tomorrow versus the Bobcats. They’re the best team in the country, and we’re hoping we can come out and show our strengths and abilities to compete at the highest level we can.”

Recent matches have highlighted the depth and versatility of Carroll’s roster.

• Collins Alonzo recorded 18 digs and 2 assists in the latest victory, anchoring the back row.
• Emma VanTassel turned in a career-high 4 digs and 8 assists, stepping up her leadership role.

Tuesday’s contest will also mark the first WFAA-streamed volleyball game, something Coach Jackson believes is a milestone for the sport.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for women’s sports, especially for women’s volleyball,” she said. “When John Cook did his big volleyball day in Nebraska, I think that really kicked off people’s awareness for the sport that might not have been super locked in during the past. It’s really exciting that WFAA is going to do that for volleyball, especially with our Lady Dragons versus Byron.”

Carroll will lean on its seven seniors, a group Jackson describes as “phenomenal” leaders.

“They’ve really done a good job of taking everybody under their wing from juniors and sophomores to the freshmen,” she said. 

Last season, the Lady Dragons made a deep run to the regional finals. This year, Coach Jackson hopes to go even further.

“It’s going to be sad at some point whenever this group comes to an end,” Jackson reflected. “They are so fun to be around — every day is a blessing. There’s laughter, fun, and excitement, and it’s going to be really sad whenever this season is over.”

The Lady Dragons host Byron Nelson this Tuesday, September 30, at the Carroll Senior High School main gym. First serve is set for 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the Carroll ISD Athletics ticketing page on September 30 at 8AM, or at the door while available. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure seats for what promises to be a packed house. WEAR GREEN!

If you can’t make it in person, you can still support the Dragons on the WFAA+ live stream, marking the first-ever broadcast of a high school volleyball game by the station.

Don’t miss this chance to cheer on our Lady Dragons!