Last Updated on November 2, 2025 11:56 am
A magical postseason run came to an end for the Watauga women's volleyball team Saturday as the Pioneers fell in a hard-fought five-set match to J.H. Rose in the 6A state championship. Despite leading two sets to none, the Pioneers were unable to close out the Rampants, who completed a reverse sweep to claim the title.
The championship match capped a remarkable season for Watauga, which entered the final with a 27-game winning streak. After a 23-1 regular season record, the Pioneers earned the top seed for the 6A playoffs and reached the state final for the first time since 1998.
Player highlights
- Emma Pastusic: The senior outside hitter delivered an epic performance throughout the playoffs, including in the five-set win over Kings Mountain in the 6A West Regional Final. She led the team with 565 kills for the season.
- Lainey Gragg: The junior setter led the team in assists with 1,023 during the season and was named the Watauga player of the match on Oct. 30.
- Ashlyn Smith: A junior outside hitter, Smith contributed 232 kills and led the team with 87 aces.
Team season statistics
A snapshot of Watauga's season stats:
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Kills | 1,099 |
| Blocks | 280 |
| Aces | 321 |
| Digs | 1,515 |
| Assists | 1,180 |
Looking ahead
While the season ended in defeat, the team displayed determination and talent, particularly from key players like Pastusic, Gragg, and Smith. With a strong core of returning players, including juniors Gragg and Smith, the Pioneers are positioned for continued success in future seasons.
