The Woodlands Lady Highlanders edge past College Park

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Battle of The Woods between The Woodlands and College Park proved the rivalry between the two schools is alive and well.

The Woodlands Lady Highlanders pulled away with the 3-1 win in a game where every set was hotly contested with loads of ties and lead changes throughout.

Watch the highlights here.

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, it was DIG PINK night. The girls on both teams dyed their hair pink and wore pink accessories, and the crowd consisted of a sea of pink to show their support. Tuesday night was also Senior Night for Brinley Cuadra, Sydney Jackson, Mia Primavera and Kayce Wright of the Lady Highlanders.

The first set got off to a competitive start as the first point came off an excellent block by Linzy Woods for the Lady Cavaliers. AJ Koele then immediately returned a volley with a kill to put the Lady Highlanders first point on the board. Both teams went back and forth, with neither team gaining a lead by more than three points and plenty of points ending after large rallies. AJ Koele went on a streak, getting kill after kill in the middle of the set. However, The Lady Cavs proved to be the most dominant in the first set. They would hold on to their lead and continue to go up on The Woodlands. After some help from Lauren Freeman , The Cavs went on to win the first set 25-18.

Going into the second set, the momentum stayed in College Park’s favor as they got off to an early lead with more help from L. Freeman after she put up an ace. Sophie Walls of the Highlanders had other plans though, and started taking the momentum back after scoring a beautiful point with her back to the net. The Woodlands started to go up early in the second set, with Freshmen Dylan Maberry showing what she has to offer TWHS in the years to come with some stellar plays.

The Cavs were not going to give up the set without a fight though, tying the game at 11-11 before going up a point after a bomb by L. Freeman. Nevertheless, the Lady Highlanders took advantage of some unforced errors and began to go up five points in the set. After a diving save by Georgia Murphy, Sophie Walls played the ball well, scoring another point for The Woodlands. The Lady Cavaliers were unable to come back from the deficit and The Woodlands tied the game, winning the second set 25-18.

The third set was no different than the first two, as both teams played the ball well and never gave up more than two points in a row early on. After a few lead changes, the Lady Cavs were starting to look like they were going to run off with the third set. Courtney Heiser and her team had other plans, however, after being down 17-19. With Sophie Walls serving, the Lady Highlanders would go flawless on the last eight points of the set, to win 25-19.

The fourth and final set of the game was an impressive one for The Lady Highlanders, as well as Skylar Scott. She came off the bench and was responsible for over five kills, proving she’s exponentially better being on a side of the net rather than the side of the court. The Highlanders never gave up the lead in the fourth set but the Lady Cavaliers kept fighting, going on a six point run while The Highlanders sat on match point. After one last time out, TWHS and AJ Koele came out with her signature move, a kill that usually makes the ball leave behind a trail of fire, giving the Highlanders the win for the night 3 sets to 1.

Sophmore Courtney Heiser was awarded Player of the Game following her team’s win. Watch the video here.

With playoffs right around the corner, final games will be filled with intensity and must-watch action. Oak Ridge is looking to finish out on top, still ranked first in the nation. After this win against the Cavaliers, TWHS looks to fall 2nd in the district.

The Highlanders next game Friday Oct. 21 at Lufkin.

The Cavaliers next game is Friday Oct. 21 at home against Conroe, and will be senior night for the Cavs.