High school sports are one of the most important aspects of what being in high school is all about. However, it is not from the aspect of the sport, rather it is the rivalries that come from playing sports. Sachse High School is one of Wylie’s biggest rivals over the past five years due to the competitiveness that Sachse brings to the table. On August 22, it was time for another round of rivalries when Pirate Volleyball took on the Mustangs. Before going into the game each team is told of the history and the rivalry that the two have .

“I knew we were rivals before coming into the program, but once I was actually in it I realized how big of a deal it actually was,” Grace Y’barbough (10) said. “When we first played them freshman year all of the upperclassmen would say happy beat Sachse day and I think that’s when I realized how much of a celebrated thing it really was.” 

“I knew that Wylie hadn’t beaten Sachse in four years,” Paloma Smith (9) said.

Wylie had a strong start from the very beginning and just continued to fight until the very end. Wylie Volleyball came away with a clean sweep against a strong competitor Sachse. It was the first time in four years that Wylie had beaten Sachse and they did it in dominating fashion. The team’s success comes from the great amount of work each girl puts into practice, but it also comes from the support and motivation that the school puts into the program. 

“I think the atmosphere was really helpful to everyone…The student section being really involved helped to keep the game hype during long rallies,” Y’barbough said.

“The atmosphere impacted how everyone played because if the energy is high then it will make the play more positive,” Smith said.

While it is Varsity who gets the most recognition for playing and maybe even beating their rivals, it is the JV team who is in the background watching and learning how to do the exact same thing when it becomes their time. This would only be possible through determination and goals through their own season.

“Our goals for the rest of the season is just to continue building momentum and adding on to the success we have already had,” Y’barbough said.

“Keep healthy communication on and off the court and to learn from any mistake that arises in practice or during play,” Melissa Gonzalez (10) said.

The first round of rivalries may be over, but the next competition is just a few miles on the other side of the same town. Wylie East is another competitor that allows Wylie Volleyball to stay focused and prepared for when it is time to battle another great competitor.