With the summer winding down, that means we're gearing up for the 2019-20 academic year. With the calendar focus shifting means the start of the volleyball season.
To lead things off, we take a look at the potential sleepers for UIL.
6A
Mansfield Lake Ridge: Lake Ridge finished last year 36-12, in third in 7-6A and were bounced in the second round of the playoffs by Byron Nelson in four sets. The Eagles have three DI-committed players set to return, which include outside hitters Madison Williams and Lyric Stewart and setter Logyn Hinds.
Wylie: The Pirates were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year after winning the 10-6A crown with a 13-1 record. Wylie graduated five from last year's team but brings back six from last year's squad - two seniors and four juniors - ready to go deep in the playoffs.
Fort Worth Paschal: After finishing as the 4-6A runner-up and making it to the second round, Paschal is geared up with a senior-laden team - eight - to build on a 30-12 2018 campaign.
5A
Justin Northwest: Northwest brings back seven seniors from last year's team that finished 10-2 in 8-5A and 21-17 overall last year but were eliminated in the first round by regional finalist Birdville. The Texans are loaded and should be a force in 2019 to deal with come playoff time.
Midlothian: Despite graduating seven seniors from a team that went 27-13, Midlothian is reloaded with five seniors for 2019 along with three juniors who all contributed to a second-place finish in 14-5A and making the second round of the playoffs.
Carrollton Turner: Turner improved by 14 wins last year and bring back six seniors for 2019 looking to get past the second round of the playoffs. Despite finishing fourth in 11-5A, Turner is primed to take another leap forward.
4A
Aubrey: The Chaparrals made it to the second round after a seven-win improvement last year. It was the deepest Aubrey had gone since going to the regional quarterfinals in 2014.
Carrollton Ranchview: Ranchview took a step back a year ago with five less wins than the year before. With nine seniors for 2019, Ranchview is the favorite to win 10-4A again, but make a much deeper run just the second round of the playoffs.
Krum: Krum suffered a 16-win decrease last year with a very young team. This year's team will have six seniors back along with three juniors and couple sophomores ready to challenge for the 8-4A district crown and go further than a one-and-done playoff berth.
