After months of preparation and anticipation, the volleyball postseason has finally arrived.
Each H-Town team is vying for the right to advance to the State tournament come the end of November, and it all starts with Round No. 1.
While there is a low likelihood for any upsets to occur in the Bi-District round, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Additionally, there are a series of matchups that should prove to be back-and-forth affairs given the competitive nature of the teams.
With that being said, here are some of the opening matches that fans need to keep a close eye on.
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Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Each of these two programs come from relentless districts, which surely have prepared them for the postseason.
Fort Bend Austin (27-16; 13-3) finished second in District 20-6A and look to keep their hot-streak rolling.
Adell Murray (Sr. MH) and Bailey Blackburn (Jr. OH) form a formidable offensive duo for the Bulldogs, as Murray in particular is approaching 500 kills on the season. Junior Gabrielle Kennedy has eclipsed 800 digs and should continue to be an integral piece for Austin as look to advance.
Seven Lakes (25-15; 12-4) is a powerhouse as well, having taken bronze in the Katy district.
Seniors Temi Sam-Olibale (OH) and Sameena Burns (OH) form an offensive duo of their own for the Spartans, with Simone Romriell (Sr. S) and sophomore Megan Chapman providing the support.
This is one matchup you won't want to miss.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Bridgeland Bears vs. Tomball Cougars
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
After finishing third in their district, Bridgeland (27-12; 11-3) enters to the postseason with the intention of flipping the script on last year's ending, which saw the Bears fall to The Woodlands in the Regional Finals.
They're on the right track, considering the majority of Bridgeland's squad has stepped up when it has mattered most this Fall.
Expect Alice Volpe (Sr. DS) and Lauren Baek (Sr. S) to continue distributing the ball with ease, while the team's kill-leaders -- Raylee Schaffner (Sr. OH) and Nylah Gray (Sr. OH) -- handle the offensive attack.
On the Tomball side, the Cougars (26-11; 12-2) are coming off a regular season which saw them finish second in District 15-6A.
The reigning District MVP Kaitlyn Davis (Sr. OH) has been as dominant as ever, as she leads the team in both kills (439) and digs (429) thus far. Furthermore, look to Reese Smith (Jr. L) and Madalyn Hoot (Sr. S) to be key contributors in the playoff opener.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Baytown Sterling Rangers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Having recently earned an undefeated district title, Friendswood (26-9; 12-0) has maintained their status of being one of the most prolific teams in Class 5A, despite being comparatively younger than most teams.
Not much more can be said about how much of game-changer Nadi'Ya Shelby (So. OH) has been for the Mustangs. She has quickly earned the reputation of having one of Houston's most dominant presences behind the net, which can also be attributed to the talented individuals surrounding her.
Sophomore setter Caroline Adams recently surpassed the 1,000 assist mark on the season, and looks to keep building on that impressive accomplishment. Haley Patton (So. L) and Andi Vaught (Sr. L/DS) should proven to be exceptional assets to Friendswood as well, this postseason.
However, the Rangers (19-17; 9-6) should provide some exceptional competition for the Mustangs.
Sterling's fourth place finish in their district doesn't indicate just how good this squad can be when they start cooking. Given the fact that the team suffered various injuries throughout the season, it's safe to say that the Rangers will be ready for a fight.
HCU-commit Katy Barger (Sr. OH) and Bailee Rae Payne (Sr. OH) will be essential to the attack, while Karmyn Hebert (Sr. L) and Kennedy Birdsell (Sr. DS) take care of business on the defensive end of Sterling's rotation.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)