HS Volleyball Playoffs Roundup: Nov 4-5 *Update*

THE WOODLANDS, TX --

11/4

Grand Oak vs Magnolia West

The first playoff game in Grand Oaks history lived up to the expectations. The Grizzlies swept Magnolia West (25-22, 29-27, 25-22) to advance to the Area Round of the UIL 5A Texas State Volleyball Playoffs. The District 20 champions were given a fight from Magnolia West. Each team went on big runs in set one. Grand Oaks jumped out to an 11-6 lead before Magnolia West used a timeout. Coming out of that timeout, West roared back to take back the lead. The Tomball gym was rocking as both teams went shot for shot to go into another TO tied at 22. Lauren Vickery’s set-winning kill would give the Grizzlies the 1-0 lead.

Set 2 was an epic battle that had just about everything. Grand Oaks Outside Hitter Fallon Thompson controlled set 2 with kills and blocks at the net, as well as, from the service line as she picked up multiple aces in the set. When Thompson came out, Magnolia West went on a run that was almost enough to hold off the Grizzlies and even up the game at 1 apiece, but Grand Oaks has shown the ability to overcome adversity and they did it once again on Monday night.

Set 2 had its share of wild rallies with balls bouncing off of ceilings and players sprawling all around the gym. However, the play of the night came with Grand Oaks desperately needing a point to stop Mag West’s momentum. Sophomore Middle Blocker Kamie Lohnes deflected a shot, then did her best freestyle soccer impression to flick the ball up with her foot to keep the play alive. The Grizzlies rallied to win the point and eventually the set.

Set 3 continued to be a slugfest between both teams, but there was also a great battle at the net between Thompson and Magnolia West’s Alexa Hayes. The two took turns blocking each other’s shots all night. After the win, Thompson spoke about the team’s feeling after their first-ever playoff victory, as well as, her duel with Hayes.

“The win feels amazing,” said Thompson. “We have pretty high standards, we go into the gym every day wanting to get better and make history. District champs in our first year as a varsity program, we just wanna see how far we can take this in our first year.”
Thompson said it was fun to compete at a high level against Hayes all night. “She’s really good,” said Thompson. “She can put a ball down and get up over the net to block shots. Point for point, I think we both went out there with the expectations of working hard and trying to outwork each other.”

The Grizzlies will face Cedar Park at Hearne High School in round 2 on Thursday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m.

College Park vs Aldine Davis

The Cavaliers advanced to the Area Round of the UIL 6A Texas State Volleyball Playoffs after beating Aldine Davis in three-straight sets (25-9, 25-16, 25-18). College Park will play Round Rock Westwood in round 2.

The Woodlands vs Westfield

The District 15-6A champions swept Westfield (25-8, 25-9, 25-11) to advance to the Area Round of the UIL 6A Texas State Volleyball Playoffs. The Highlanders will meet Vista Ridge in round 2 at Brenham High School on Thursday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m.

11/5

Oak Ridge vs Spring

The War Eagles swept the Lions (25-8, 25-14, 25-8) to advance to the Area Round of the UIL 6A Texas State Volleyball Playoffs. Oak Ridge will meet Vandergrift in round 2.