The Burnet High School volleyball team dug into the success of an undefeated district run with a swift victory over Travis Early College on Oct. 29 to claim the title of bi-district champions, but fell to Tivy High School on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the area round of the playoffs, bringing a historic 2026 season to a close.

“The Lady Dawg volleyball season came to an end (Nov. 3) against a tough Tivy team that has been highly favored and ranked in the Top 10 throughout the season,” head coach Crystal Shipley said. “While the ending wasn’t what we had hoped for, this season has been one incredible journey.”

The Lady Dawgs notched a program-best 32 wins this year and won all 10 of their district matchups, dropping just three sets total. Over the last several years, the team has regularly advanced to the playoffs but has not achieved more than 28 wins in a season.

A large chunk of the Dawgs’ wins came from tournament sweeps throughout the season, which coach Shipley said helped mold the team’s mentality.

“Every season brings returning players from previous teams, but each year brings a new dynamic, new challenges, and the opportunity to figure out who you are together,” she said. “This team really began to find their identity during tournament season, and it was something special to watch. They became fighters.”

Coach Shipley added that every single member of the varsity team–managers included–earned Academic All-District honors this season. Academic honors recognize players whose success on the court also extends into the classroom.

The varsity Dawgs’ success was not alone either, with the freshman and junior varsity teams scratching superior seasons into their books.

The freshman team finished their season 22-7 overall and 9-1 in district, becoming district champions. The junior varsity team recorded a 19-9 overall season and went 8-2 in district play, tying for first place with Marble Falls to become district co-champions.

As the season came to a close, coach Shipley extended a heartfelt message to her seniors:

“To our senior players and managers: thank you.”

“Your leadership, your buy-in, and the energy you brought to this program made a lasting impact.”

“You helped shape this team’s identity, set the tone, and left a mark on this program that goes beyond wins and losses.”

“Your presence will be missed more than you know, and I hope you leave knowing how much you have meant to Burnet volleyball.”

“Once a Lady Dawg, always a Lady Dawg.”

caden@thepicayune.com