The Woodlands impressive in volleyball opener

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – It was orientation night for juniors at The Woodlands High School. But in the gym, The Woodlands High School volleyball team was delivering orientation to Cy-Woods and the rest of the opponents on its 2013 schedule.

The Lady Highlanders looked to be in midseason form on Tuesday as they opened the 2013 schedule with a resounding 3-0 sweep of the visiting Lady Wildcats. It was an impressive performance for sure against the defending District 17-5A champions.

The Woodlands was never seriously threatened in a methodical dismantling (25-16, 25-17, 25-16) of a team that recorded 40 wins last season and advanced to the region semifinals.

Courtney Eckenrode distributed 23 assists while Kelly Quinn contributed 18 digs and Madison MacDaniel recorded nine kills to go along with 13 digs. Rachel Reed, Courtney Quinn and Morgan Eason were also strong at the net for the Lady Highlanders.

A big test for The Woodlands will come Thursday through Saturday at the prestigious Pearland Tournament. The Lady Highlanders are back home for a 5:30 p.m. Tuesday match with Katy Seven Lakes.

College Park victorious in curtain-raiser

The College Park High School volleyball team also chalked up a victory in its 2013 season opener on Tuesday. The Lady Cavaliers ran past Klein Collins 3-1 on the road.

College Park won the first game 25-11 before the hosting Lady Tigers tied the match with a 25-23 win. But the Lady Cavaliers won going away with 25-15 and 25-16 victories in the next two games.

Oak Ridge wins opener

The Oak Ridge High School volleyball team opened the 2013 season on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory on the road at Montgomery.

Victoria Harris led the way at the net with 22 kills for Oak Ridge, which rallied from a 2-0 deficit (25-18, 25-23) to even the match with 25-19, 25-14 victories before taking the match with a 15-9 advantage in the fifth and deciding game.