Lady Hornets open season with 5-set thriller

Azle volleyball beats Ponder, battles 6A Boswell before strong Denton Ryan tournament run

The Azle Lady Hornets kicked off their 2025 volleyball season in dramatic fashion, outlasting Ponder in a five-set thriller and riding that momentum into a strong tournament showing.

Azle defeated Ponder 2517, 25-19, 19-25, 25-27, 15-5 on opening night, led by senior outside hitter Jacqui McClain, who powered down 27 kills while adding 11 digs and three service aces. Sophie Weger tallied 19 assists and four aces, while Miley Massey contributed 16 assists, 10 digs and three aces. Heather Lockridge anchored the defense with 15 digs.