Lady Dawg volleyball reaches new pinnacle

     Who remembers that day in 2004 when Copperas Cove hired a new head volleyball coach?

     Cari Lowery sure does.

     That was the day she came to work and found her equipment cupboard almost bare and herself leading a program that hadn’t been too successful.

     Almost overnight, that situation changed.

     Lowery and her charges, helped out by the later addition of Christy Thompson as varsity assistant, embarked on a run of playoff berths that continue as we speak.

     With Lowery’s promotion to district athletic director, one of only 32 Texas women holding that post and Thompson being named head coach prior to the 2022 season, the Lady Dawgs playoff run has reached 17 straight seasons...a feat unheard of since the spikers’ sport arrived in Copperas Cove.

     Last Friday›s straight-set win over Hutto clinched third place in District 12-6A and now the girls are waiting to find out the wheres and whens of their first-round match against the second-place team out of District 11-6A. 

     Fans will get one more chance to watch the playoff-bound Lady Dawgs at home today at 5:30 p.m. when they host former league mate Shoemaker, which garnered third place in District 22-5A, in a state playoff warmup match. 

     However, there›s a lot more going on.

     Bulldawg football makes its final home appearance at the Dawg Pound with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against District 12-6A rival Harker Heights. This will be chapter 19 in a rivalry dating back to 2004, which saw the Dawgs win the first 12 meetings, but the Knights have had Cove’s number recently, winning the last three games. 

     Then, we›re getting close to Cove basketball and if you just can›t wait, be at Bulldawg Gym tomorrow at 11:30 A.M. to see new Lady Dawg head coach Derik Short take his Lady Dawgs into action against Killeen Chapparal in a scrimmage.

     Here›s one more shoutout to LDVB on your latest milestone. Good job, ladies!

     Speaking of milestones, can you believe I›m wrapping up my 75th trip around the sun today? I’ve seen a lot of Copperas Cove games in my time and I’m ready for a lot more.

Go Dawgs!