NEW CHAPEL HILL -- The Chapel Hill volleyball program reached rarified air last season, winning a district championship for the first time since 2002.

The twin-sister combination of Brittany and Brooke Wright led the way, racking up league superlative honors as top setter and hitter, respectively.

The Wrights accomplished all of this as sophomores, but their father Greg Wright took a principal’s position at Prosper ISD, leaving a void for the Lady Bulldogs and fifth-year head coach Linda Godwin.

Godwin said that while losing the Wright sisters was a blow, there are reinforcements in place, beginning with junior setter Danielle Ford.

“Last year I kept one of my setters who trained with Brittany that’s going to fill her spot. … She got lots of reps, I moved her down to play more than just to be a practice player,” Godwin said of Ford. “She got lots of touches on the ball last year. I know that Dani is going to step up and do the job.”

Godwin is also excited about sophomore hitter Schuyler Wages, a transfer from Tyler Lee.

“She’s a sophomore who’s a big, tall, physical player, has good fundamentals,” Godwin said. “I’m going to be looking for her to fill a role whether it’s in the middle of the court or the outside of the court. She’s going to be playing some other roles, too, I have a feeling.”

Realignment moved Chapel Hill into a district with area power Spring Hill. Perennial contender Bullard is still paired with the Lady Bulldogs.

“I’m not expecting anything less than a district championship,” Godwin said. “The competition is going to be tougher because we have Spring Hill, we have Gilmer and of course Bullard’s always going to be good. Our new district is tough. Kilgore dropping down from 4A, that’s going to be new for us. I expect every game to be a fight.”

Chapel Hill begins the season Aug. 14 with a dual match against Van and Harmony in Van.

More From East Texas Sports Network