Highlanders, Lewis twins have The Woodlands in State conversation

Terri Wade and The Woodlands (31-8) have some great volleyball in front of them.

The Highlanders are locked in with a postseason spot, as usual, with an 11-2 district record and are peaking at the right time.

Great players have come and gone through the program, but this group is special.

Do they have a run in them to State?

“We started off strong this season and I think some people overlooked us,” coach Terri Wade said. “We were a little banged up but still played well through a tough pre-district schedule. We are all healthy now, and playing complementary volleyball.”

With three district games remaining and a warm-up against Ridge Point, The Woodlands will be dangerous come the playoffs. It will be bittersweet as the season winds down, because six seniors will say goodbye to the green and gold.

Senior Ella Lewis has been one of the all-timers to come through the program and is headed to Arizona State to play college ball.

“She’s just an elite all-around player and you don’t get those come around that often,” Wade said. “Her volleyball IQ really sets her apart. She’s a great passer too. She can hit with power and with so many different tempos. She can hit any shot, anywhere on the court.”

Twin sister, Abby, is the second leading scorer and will play beach volleyball at Southern Miss. Also a senior, is leading libero Cameron McDaniel, but Wade credits her middles to sparking the offense.

“Sasha (Bespaly) and Liz (Kath) have really come on lately,” Wade said. “They spread out our offense and have made a huge impact on the season. Cameron has been a beast on the back row, too.”

With senior experience and a “go-to” shot-maker, the Highlanders are back to their old tricks… that’s bad for their Region II opponents come November.