HS Volleyball: Grand Oaks Ties The Woodlands for First Place in District

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Woodlands area is host to three state ranked teams, Conroe, The Woodlands, and Grand Oaks, two of which faced each other Friday night for the second time. The undefeated Woodlands Highlanders took on the Grand Oaks Grizzlies at home to see who would take the first spot in the district standings.

As the JV match was being played, the fire alarm sounded forcing everyone to evacuate the building and delaying the game for about fifteen minutes. After the unusual interruption, the game continued only to be delayed once again from another fire alarm. Staff assured everyone there was nothing to be concerned about and the game finally continued.

The main event would be delayed about an hour but the anticipation only intensified. As The Woodlands and Grand Oaks hit the court the crowd erupted while they were warming up.

After 2 lightning delays (fire drills) The Woodlands and Grand Oaks finally hit the floor for Warm-ups before the huge match! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/I5rbRoXq7M

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 7, 2022

In the first set Grand Oaks came out strong and immediately took the lead. After going point for point with five ties and five lead changes, the Grizzlies were able to hold off the defensively strong Lady Highlanders.

Huge set win from Grand Oaks! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/9uj5YkuS9i

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 8, 2022

As set two began, the two state ranked teams went at it, digging, setting, and getting kills. They would once again go point for point with many ties and many lead changes. This time Grand Oaks would pull away a little sooner than last set and finish off The Woodlands, 25-18.

They hardly could contain their excitement but had to regain their composure to grab another set. The Woodlands recomposed and planned between sets to shift the momentum in their favor.

Grand Oaks rallies with The Woodlands and takes Set 2, 25-18! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/oYm26RM6eq

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 8, 2022

The Woodlands was not out just yet. In typical fashion, the Lady Highlanders would kick up the heat and work as a unit to lead the Grizzlies early in the third set. Although Grand Oaks would tie it at eight a piece, The Woodlands would not back down and once again exchange the lead multiple times.

With one last push The Woodlands tightened up their defense and passed Grand Oaks. It came down to the wire but they would eventually take the lead one last time and win the much-needed set 25-23.

It ain't over yet! The Woodlands closes out Set 3 25-23! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/nM1zSM1riR

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 8, 2022

In the fourth set, Grand Oaks would take the lead early on but with the momentum on their side, The Woodlands continued to keep up and tie it at 17. After another exchange back and forward the set would go the distance and The Woodlands would edge Grand Oaks out in extra points, 27-25 forcing a final fifth set.

We're going to set 5! The Woodlands and Grand Oaks are all tied up at 2 sets each! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/eE7FRflnEI

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 8, 2022

After each team agreed to play to 15-points, they would stay on their same side and continue to the final set. Grand Oaks came to play and shut out The Woodlands with seven unanswered points right off the bat. The Woodlands works well under pressure and closed the gap mid set. It would come down to the final points, once again going the distance. Grand Oaks would take the advantage and finally with one last rally, win the set and match essentially tying The Woodlands for first place in the district.

Grand Oaks is now tied for first place in the district as they take down The Woodlands in set 5! @TWHSVolleyball @grandoaksvb pic.twitter.com/s9pV5eAC3J

— Woodlands Online Sports (@WOLsports) October 8, 2022

After the game Coach Morgan Rogers would be heard saying to her girls, “We made them play our ball.” She later explained, “We just tried to keep it athletic…we tried to keep it fast to make their blockers kinda have to work a little harder.”


The Woodlands will go on to face Cleveland while Grand Oaks will take on Oak Ridge at home next week.