CLIFTON, Texas — The Clifton Lady Cubs are headed to the UIL state volleyball championship for the first time in program history after a dramatic five-set win over defending state champion Stockdale.

The Lady Cubs’ victory capped a historic run and sends them into Friday’s title match, where they will face Boyd with a chance to bring home the school’s first state championship.

Head coach Joy Holzmann — who previously led Clifton to the state semifinals in 1995 — said the moment still feels surreal. “Just talking to parents today, it's like, we just still can't believe this is happening,” Holzmann said. “So, yeah, it's pretty cool. And again, the community has backed us, you know, so much.”

Junior Brystel Wise said the team’s rise began with belief and consistency. “It's like making hist

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