The debate team competed in their first tournament of the year at Hendrickson High School on Saturday. The team won second in Policy Debate, and placed third and fourth in Lincoln Douglas debate.

“I feel really excited and accomplished,” junior Alanna Anderson said. “We went up against some really amazing programs and won, which is more than I can ever ask for.”

Junior Alanna Anderson and senior Ariana Engles placed second in Policy Debate. Junior Alicia Zon placed third and fourth in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. The team and the rest of the club have been preparing for the event since the first day of school, and held their first meeting of the year at historian Hannah Olsen’s house after the first week. The meeting had 20 attendees, the highest ever attendance rate for the club, and prepped members for the tournament.

“I feel very confident about our success so far, and I’m even more excited for the rest of the year,” debate team member Jake Painter said.

The team plans on attending several competitions this semester, including meets at Pflugerville, Hayes and Lake Travis High School. They will also compete at The Longhorn Classic on Dec.4-5. The Spring semester will include UIL meets at Round Rock, Westwood and Hayes High Schools, as well as district meets at Georgetown and East View in March.