H.R. No. 1947

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The volleyball team from Bushland High School distinguished itself with its exceptional performance during the 2022 season, advancing all the way to the University Interscholastic League 3A state championship game; and

WHEREAS, Featuring eight experienced senior players, the talented Bushland team lost just four games during the regular season and entered the playoffs on a 24-game winning streak; in the first round, the team overpowered Littlefield High School in three straight sets, 25-8, 25-5, 25-11, and followed up with a commanding 25-9, 25-8, 25-11 victory over Crane High School in the area finals; and

WHEREAS, In its regional quarterfinal contest, Bushland defeated Shallowater High School 25-15, 25-17, 25-19, and the team went on to clinch a spot in the regional finals with a 25-23, 25-9, 25-21 win over Wall High School; on November 12, the Lady Falcons squared off against Holliday High School in the regional finals and earned their fourth straight trip to the state tournament with a 25-18, 25-14, 25-14 sweep; and

WHEREAS, Taking the court at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland on November 17, Bushland met East Bernard High School in a hard-fought semifinal battle; after the Lady Falcons opened with a 25-16 victory, they dropped their first set in 20 matches in a narrow 22-25 loss; demonstrating exemplary poise and determination, the team rose to the occasion and captured sets three and four by the scores of 25-14 and 25-17 to move on to the final; on November 19, Bushland competed in the title contest for the third consecutive season, this time facing Gunter High School in a rematch of the 2021 finale; the Lady Falcons turned in a valiant effort but finished as the 3A runner-up, closing out the year with an outstanding record of 41 wins and 5 losses; and

WHEREAS, The Lady Falcons were paced at state by All-Tournament selections Kaela Neie and Logan Culpepper; Bushland also received valuable contributions throughout the year from the other members of the roster: Avery Ramos, Bayleigh Eason, Bella Babbitt, Jada Permenter, Rachel Russell, Hannah Solomon, Camryn Barton, Victoria Vaughn, Mackenzie Sims, Jayce Ornelas, Madyson Eberly, Abby Howell, Hanna Samford, and Brooklyn Koenig; these dedicated student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Jason Culpepper and assistant coaches Amber Parkhurst and Scott Rankin, and they received additional support from manager Brinley Reid and statisticians Ansley Tiffin-Fernandez and Lillyann Shannon; and

WHEREAS, With its success during the 2022 season, Bushland added another chapter to its illustrious history; over the years, the Lady Falcons have taken home the state crown six times, including the 2A title in 2007, 2008, and 2013, the 4A championship in 2016, and back-to-back 3A triumphs in 2020 and 2021; moreover, Bushland ranks high on the list of schools that have compiled the most appearances in the volleyball state tournament, having reached the final four 11 times since 2006; and

WHEREAS, Demonstrating exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Bushland Lady Falcons have earned a place among the top high school volleyball teams in Texas, and they are a source of tremendous pride to their classmates and their many supporters in the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Bushland High School volleyball team on advancing to the 2022 UIL 3A state championship game and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Price

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1947 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2023, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House