Clear Creek: Volleyball Preview

Story by Billy Loveless

Coach: Scott Simonds (Fifth year)

2006 record: 27-13 (9-3); Lost to Cy-Fair 

in region final.

Graduated: 4

Returning lettermen: 11

Returning starters: 5; Haley Jacobs -

(libero, sr.), Becky Bekelja (setter, sr.), Megan Pendergast (OH, sr.), Madeline Gaffney (MB, jr.), Taylor Smith (MB, sr.).

Strengths: Because of an inexperienced team, last season was expected by many to be a rebuilding year for Clear Creek’s girls. Even with that going against them, the Ladycats were still one of the final eight teams in the state, not being eliminated until the region finals. But that kind of play is expected year-in and year-out at Clear Creek. The Ladycats have won district titles in six of the last eight seasons. They had won three 24-5A championships in a row before Clear Lake broke the streak last season. The Ladycats got some revenge, though, beating the Lady Falcons in a region quarterfinal match.

Creek coach Scott Simonds has even higher expectations this year. With a total of 11 letterwinners, including five starters, coming back, the Ladycats are hoping to become the first Creek team to reach the state tournament since 1995.

A bulk of the attention will be on Jacobs, Bekelja and Pendergast, who all earned first-team all-district honors last year. Jacobs and Pendergast were first-team All-greater Houston, as well. The three girls also have an abundance of postseason experience. 

“Those three have played in nine postseason matches in the last two years,” Simonds said. “There aren’t that many programs in the state that has that kind of experience.”

A slew of returning letterwinners, including Cherish Krohn (OH, jun.), Alexa Reed (OH, sr.), Amanda Watson (MB, jun.) and Rachel Hobaugh (OH, def.), are also expected to play a big role on this year’s squad.

Areas of improvement: The Ladycats lost some quality seniors – Shannon Coursen, Natalie Kraus, Stephanie Lefevers and Kara Morse - which will need to be replaced. 

The Ladycats also don’t have a bulk of height on this season’s squad, but Simonds is hoping to make up for it with good defense, strong passing and a solid serving game. Creek also has to bring its ‘A’ game every match. Their talent and experience is well known throughout the district, and opponents will be fired up to face off against the Ladycats. 

“Last year we were the underdogs because of our inexperience,” Simonds said. “This year, because of our experience, teams will be gunning for us.”

Season outlook: District 24-5A is always tough, and usually at least a few teams advance far into the playoffs. Last year was no exception as Creek went to the region finals and Clear Lake advanced to the region quarterfinals.

Simonds expects 24-5A to be a big challenge again this season. Clear Lake and Clear Brook, last year’s postseason squads, are always tough matches. Although realignment moved playoff team Pearland out of the district, Dickinson, a Class 4A postseason squad, has joined 24-5A. While it missed the playoffs last season, Alvin is always in the mix, while Brazoswood, Galveston Ball and new CCISD school, Clear Springs, can’t be counted out.

Quotable: “This is the most experienced team I’ve ever had,” Simonds said. “We have a lot of talent and our expectations are very high. We’re hoping to get to San Marcos (the state tournament).”