THE RANKINGS: With Shelby, Patton, time is of the essence for No. 2 Friendswood
FRIENDSWOOD KNOCKED ON THE DOOR OF REACHING THE 5A-D2 STATE SEMIS A YEAR AGO, FINISHING 38-9 OVERALL AND REACHING THE REGIONAL FINALS.
Sarah Paulk, who enters her 10th year at Friendswood (294-100 at Friendswood, 359-149 overall) returns six starters to the huddle including University of Florida-commit Nadi'ya Shelby, who is the reigning District 20-5A MVP.
University of North Dakota-commit Haley Patton was the Defensive District MVP, while Navy-commit Caroline Adams earned first-team, all-district honors.
Also earning first-team, all-district was Gabby Palermo, while Sarah Grace Hickl, Raylee Bosley and Caden Carter (University of New Orleans-commit) earned second-team honors.
Taliah Benson (Lemoyne University-commit) is back after being injured last year.
Others to watch include Ellie Leitko and Ashley Adams.
Keys to success for Paulk’s team include establishing two new middles and their serve-receive.