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THE PINNACLE: 2025 UIL Volleyball State Finals Preview -- Cedar Park vs. Argyle (5A-D2)
WHERE: Curtis Culwell Center -- Garland, TX
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Picking up right where they left off a year ago, Cedar Park (38–12) is back on the brink of a championship. The Timberwolves stormed into the 5A-DII title game after a decisive sweep of Friendswood last Saturday, securing their second straight trip to Garland — and the program’s fourth overall since 2012.
Since taking over in 2019, head coach Lori McLaughlin has steadily molded Cedar Park into a perennial contender. With the entire starting rotation returning, the group enters Saturday’s state final playing with the assurance of a veteran unit that expected to be here. And after falling to Wakeland in last year’s match, the Timberwolves have been fueled all season by the chance to flip the script.
Some of the standouts for 2025-26 Cedar Park VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That effort has been anchored by senior outside hitter and Stanford-signee Joy Udoye, the reigning District 25-5A MVP, who has piled up 568 kills and 358 digs while eclipsing 2,000 career kills earlier this month. Opposite her is Incarnate Word-signee Mya Cheatum, whose 411 kills and steady presence make her the Knuckles to Udoye’s Sonic — a power duo that has overwhelmed opponents on both pins.
Cedar Park’s system thrives on rhythm, and its two-setter operation of Katelyn Hughes and Sibley Oster remains a defining strength. Hughes, a Lamar-commit, enters the final with 806 assists and 425 digs, while Oster, headed to Cal State-Fullerton, has added another 572 assists, giving the Timberwolves enviable balance and continuity.
The supporting cast is just as seasoned. Junior DS Anna Kurz, last year’s District Newcomer of the Year, surpassed 1,000 career digs behind a remarkable 700-plus this fall. Senior middle Sienna Benavides provides backbone at the net, contributing 280 kills and a team-leading 124 blocks. Together, the group’s cohesion — more than any single statistic — is what has carried Cedar Park back to the dance.
But waiting on the other side is an Argyle squad built with a similarly experienced backbone and its own unfinished business.
The Eagles (38–3), led by head coach Katelyn Johnson, were also knocked out by Wakeland last fall — this time in the State Semifinals — and have spent the past year eyeing a return built on growth rather than resentment.
Mission accomplished. Argyle powered to its seventh Final Four appearance and punched its ticket with a 3–1 triumph over Liberty last weekend. Now, the Eagles chase the program’s second UIL State Championship, nine years removed from its 2015 title run in 4A.
Where Cedar Park leans on its firepower, Argyle’s calling card is its superb defensive foundation. Senior DS Teagan Barnett has followed up her first-team, all-district season by eclipsing 500 digs, serving as the anchor of a backline that rarely yields clean swings.
The Eagles also operate with a dynamic two-setter system, featuring junior first-teamer Karsyn Rogers — an Arizona State-commit — and sophomore Makenna Gregory, who together have amassed nearly 1,100 assists and 500 digs. Their tempo forces opponents into constant adjustments.
Offensively, Argyle spreads the wealth, essentially forcing opponents to pick their poison. Freshman phenom Alexis Elsey has emerged as the headliner, leading the team with 312 kills and 263 digs — putting District 6-5A Newcomer of the Year honors firmly within reach. Meanwhile, seniors Hannah Baker and Susanna Hodson (Oklahoma Christian) have flourished in expanded roles, each clearing the 200-kill mark with veteran poise.
Two programs with parallel motivations. But only one can be crowned this Saturday in Garland.
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Grand Oaks' Halle Thompson
THE OPENING SET: H-Town Volleyball 2025 Regional Finals Preview // Powered by LOVB
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Grand Oaks Grizzlies vs. Cypress Ranch Mustangs (6A-D1 Region II Final)
Grand Oaks Grizzlies VB
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th (11/11) -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Wheeler Fieldhouse -- Sugar Land, TX
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Grand Oaks (37-8) has leaned less toward being infallible and more toward being inevitable. In simpler terms, this version of the Grizzlies has shown a knack for meeting the moment — responding to adversity with resilience rather than relying on the sheer dominance and clean sweeps that defined the previous two seasons.
That quality was on full display last Thursday, when coach Morgan Rogers and company faced Duncanville at Leon High School. The Grizzlies jumped out to a 2-0 lead before the Panthers rallied to even the match, only for GOHS to respond decisively with a 15-7 victory in the final set.
Now, the two-time defending state champions are eyeing a third straight trip to the UIL State Final Four — and their third overall since the school first opened its doors in 2018.
Not much more can be said about Halle Thompson and the profound impact she’s had on the Grand Oaks program. No. 8 remains the undeniable engine behind the team’s high-octane attack — however you frame it. Her influence is backed by an impressive collection of accolades, as the senior Wisconsin-commit has amassed two UIL 6A State MVP honors, a USA U19 gold medal, and most recently, recognition as an Under Armour All-American. Currently, Thompson is averaging just under six kills per set, with a total of 379 this fall.
If Thompson is the engine for the Grand Oaks vehicle, that makes Houston-commit Cali Reece the ignition. The senior libero anchors the back row with her steady defensive presence — leading the team with nearly 300 digs and allowing the offense to operate at full throttle.
Setter Kayla Aranda has chipped in more than 400 assists this season, while sophomore outside hitter Kate Bull represents the next wave of Grizzlies’ star power with over 200 kills. Additionally, senior Julia Flessas brings reliability and composure in key moments.
On the other side of the net, Cypress Ranch (38-8) enters the Region II Final as one of the state’s hottest teams — and one that’s finally broken through its long-standing postseason ceiling. After falling to The Woodlands in the Area Round for five straight seasons, the Mustangs flipped the script last Monday with a five-set thriller over their rivals, then carried that momentum into a 3-1 victory against Rockwall in the Regional Semis.
Leading the charge is junior Saniya Reynolds, a Kentucky-commit and one of the most versatile hitters in Texas. Capable of playing anywhere along the front row, Reynolds has become the focal point of Cy Ranch’s attack, surpassing 400 kills during the playoff run. Alongside her is sophomore standout Sade Bello, who’s followed up a stellar freshman debut with another dominant season — topping the 300-kill mark while providing explosive scoring on the outside.
The Bello name carries even more weight with senior setter and Rice-commit Zora Bello, who has served as the team’s stabilizing force and emotional anchor. She’s tallied more than 800 assists and nearly 400 digs, orchestrating the offense with precision and poise.
Defensively, senior libero Kinsley Hooper gives the Mustangs their edge, surpassing 400 digs and providing the kind of back-row consistency that championship teams rely on.
This week's showdown promises to be a true test of endurance and composure. For Grand Oaks, it’s about sustaining a dynasty; for Cy Ranch, it’s about finally taking the next step. Either way, a trip to Garland is on the line — and neither team plans to blink first.
Cy Ranch Mustangs VB
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Dawson Eagles vs. Seven Lakes Spartans (6A-D1 Region III Final)
Dawson Eagles VB
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th (11/11) -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Delmar Fieldhouse -- Houston, TX
Few teams in Texas have looked as complete as Dawson (40-4) has down the stretch. At this point in the fall, it’s become abundantly clear: the Eagles simply look unbeatable. To put their dominance into perspective, Dawson has dropped just two sets since the end of August — a run that includes 20 consecutive victories and last week’s commanding sweep over Fulshear in Round 3.
That kind of consistency stems from the Eagles’ trademark defense, anchored by the senior tandem of Jenna Thedford (Texas A&M-commit // 632 digs) and Isabella Tijerina (226 digs).
Up front, Avery Koonsen (SFA) has been the centerpiece of head coach Lauren Leth’s attack, closing in on 500 kills this season. She’s joined on the frontline by fellow seniors Sloane Ranney (263 kills) and Keaton Points (184 kills) — both headed to play beach volleyball at Grand Canyon University and the University of San Francisco, respectively.
Meanwhile, Taylor Ranney — Sloane’s sister and another GCU-commit — has guided the offense with nearly 700 assists.
With the program’s first-ever UIL State Tournament berth within reach, Dawson knows what’s at stake. One more victory would earn the Eagles the regional crown — and a potential trip to the Culwell Center next week.
Still, Dawson’s next opponent is far from a formality. At this point in the season, Seven Lakes (27-11) is a team no one should overlook.
The Spartans reminded everyone of their potential last Friday, sweeping Ridge Point in decisive fashion. Despite playing in Sugar Land, head coach Amy Cataline’s squad controlled every phase of the match, showing balance, energy, and poise.
Seven Lakes is hitting its stride at the perfect time, led by junior Gracie Hobin (Vanderbilt-commit), who has emerged as the Spartans’ primary weapon with 421 kills on the year. Albany-commit Lily Lott (298 kills) provides steady support, while junior middle Willtrace “Wiggles” Ngoh (USC) fortifies the front with 245 kills and 155 blocks.
The Spartans’ foundation, though, lies in the back row — where Keira Do (705 assists) and Megan Chapman (512 digs) continue to set the tone.
No strangers to this setting, Seven Lakes will look to punch its ticket back to the State Final Four for the first time since its 2020 6A championship season — but to get there, they’ll have to take down one of the most imposing teams in Texas.
Seven Lakes Spartans VB after defeating Ridge Point in the Regional Semis
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. North Forney Falcons (6A-D2 Region II Final)
Tomball Cougars VB
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th (11/11) -- 6:00 PM
WHERE: Temple High School
Tomball’s unprecedented journey continues, as head coach Jordan Williams and company followed their suspenseful five-set Area Round battle with College Park by flexing against DeSoto (3-1) in last week’s Regional Semifinal.
By improving to 40-6, the Cougars have only strengthened the case that this may be the most elite roster the school has ever featured. That notion could soon be validated, as Tomball now stands on the precipice of reaching the UIL State Tournament for the first time in program history.
When it comes to the team’s arsenal, the Cougars have weapons to spare.
Arkansas-commit Gemma Hopkins (Jr. L) has been a star that the entire squad gravitates around — closing in on 600 digs and 200 assists this fall. Freshman phenom Greysen Ortmeier has been a revelation from the setter position, recently surpassing 1,000 assists in her debut campaign.
Up front, the titular trio of senior Heidi Horan (409 kills, 339 digs) — a Wheaton College-commit — sophomore Kinsley Moretti (322 kills, 257 digs), and junior Taylor Choate (241 kills, 68 blocks) gives the Cougars a frontline with no clear weakness. Each brings a unique edge to the attack, forcing opposing defenses to essentially pick their poison.
Records were made to be broken, but such distinctions have to be earned — something North Forney knows just as well as Tomball.
Much like their upcoming opponent, the Falcons have an opportunity to make their inaugural appearance in the UIL Final Four, and they’ve shown the grit to get there.
Led by head coach Jose Marrero Vega, North Forney (31-11) delivered a lesson in resilience at Waco’s Robinson High last Friday. After surrendering the first two sets to Cy Woods, the Falcons rallied to take Sets 3 (27-25), 4 (26-24), and 5 (17-15), showcasing a determination that refuses to fade.
It was a defining moment for a program that has built its identity on resolve — one that now finds itself a single victory away from history.
Whether it’s Tomball’s consistency or North Forney’s comeback fire that wins out, one thing’s certain: this Regional Final promises to deliver a performance worthy of the stage.
North Forney Falcons VB
Tompkins Falcons vs. Stratford Spartans (6A-D2 Region III Final)
Tompkins Falcons VB
Doug Brown (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th (11/11) -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Delmar Fieldhouse -- Houston, TX
Approaching the midway point of November, Tompkins (38-5) is emitting peak-level energy as the Falcons followed up their undefeated district title with decisive playoff triumphs against George Ranch (3-0), Memorial (3-1), and most recently, Clear Lake (3-1).
Everything seems to be clicking for head coach Allison Merrell’s squad, which soars into this pivotal matchup riding a 19-game winning streak — fully embodying their “Unbreakable” mantra.
It’s no secret who drives the Falcons’ success. Replicating the performance that earned her 19-6A Newcomer of the Year honors a season ago, Elsa St. Rose has put on another clinic in 2025. The sophomore standout has compiled 532 kills, 655 serve receptions, and 347 digs — making a strong case for District MVP recognition.
St. Rose is joined on the frontline by a pair of senior standouts who add both balance and bite. Emma Elsasser (Texas State-commit) and Callie Funk (Yale commit) have posted 342 and 244 kills, respectively, giving Tompkins multiple offensive options capable of taking over a match.
Meanwhile, the setting duo of junior Drew Merrell (766 assists, 254 digs) and sophomore Ava Shepard (637 assists, 201 digs) keep the offense running in rhythm, while senior Lainey Monroe anchors the back row with 520 digs and a knack for perfectly timed saves.
The Falcons’ current form evokes shades of their 2022–23 campaign, when they went 42-5 and reached the program’s first UIL 6A State Final. One more win could put Tompkins on course for a second appearance in the 6A-Division II Final Four — and it’s hard to believe that would be mere coincidence.
However, Stratford is an opponent all too familiar with this stage.
Say what you will about the Spartans (26-15) — they’ve been doubted before — but few teams raise their level under pressure quite like them. Though they finished second to Memorial in District 17-6A (the same Memorial team Tompkins defeated in the Area Round), Stratford hasn’t let that slow its momentum.
After dispatching Foster (3-1) and Manvel (3-1) last week, the Spartans are on the cusp of back-to-back trips to the State Final Four, following their 2024 run to the 6A-Division II Championship match.
Head coach Jenny Adcock continues to lean on a seasoned core led by Gwen Koss (Providence College-commit), who’s tallied 521 kills, 448 digs, and 758 serve receptions — leading the team in all three categories.
Audrey Cook (Grand Canyon University-commit) sets the tempo with more than 1,100 assists and 343 digs, while Milena Miladinovic (261 kills) and Sydney Hatcher (252 kills) round out a versatile attack. On defense, junior libero Lauren Gioco (323 digs) has emerged as a reliable weapon.
Two proven playoff contenders. One trip to the Final Four at stake. Tompkins and Stratford both know what it takes to win this deep into November — now it’s time to see who writes the next chapter.
Stratford Spartans VB
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Georgetown Eagles (5A-D2 Region III Final)
Friendswood Mustangs VB
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th (11/11) -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Merrell Center -- Katy, TX
Friendswood certainly knows how to get hearts racing. The Mustangs followed up their astonishing five-set duel with Lake Creek in the Area Round by delivering yet another instant classic against Pflugerville Weiss — ultimately sealing Set 5, 15-11, last Friday.
Now that everyone’s had a chance to catch their collective breath, Friendswood (36-9) appears fully primed for what awaits in the fourth round of the playoffs. This is a group built for the spotlight, and the moment feels perfectly suited for the veteran-laden roster that head coach Sarah Paulk has assembled.
It goes without saying that the Mustangs are brimming with primetime performers. Senior outside hitter Nadi’ya Shelby — a Florida-commit — is closing in on 500 kills, spearheading an offense that has been as explosive as it is resilient. Sophomore Elaina Holtvluwer (287 kills) has rapidly emerged as one of the Houston area’s most promising young talents, adding another dimension to Friendswood’s versatile attack.
Equally essential to the team’s success are a pair of AVCA All-Region honorees in seniors Haley Patton and Caroline Adams. Patton, a North Dakota-commit, continues to anchor the backline with nearly 500 digs, while Adams — who’s headed to the U.S. Naval Academy — has tallied close to 900 assists. Together, their poise and production have helped Friendswood outlast every challenge so far.
A victory on Tuesday would send the Mustangs to their 11th all-time UIL State Tournament appearance and their first since 2019. More than that, it would move them one step closer to capturing the program’s second state title — the first coming all the way back in 1994.
On the other side of the net, Georgetown is chasing its own place in history.
Under the guidance of head coach Jenny Richardson, the Eagles (32-13) have displayed the same poise and balance that carried them to the 5A Division II State Semifinals a year ago. Fresh off a convincing 3-1 win over a potent Montgomery squad, Georgetown looks every bit the contender once again.
Junior Amelia Albright — another Florida-commit — has been the team’s engine, showcasing elite versatility with 849 assists and 283 kills. She’s complemented by junior outside hitter Mallory Miller (310 kills, 412 digs) and sophomore libero Jordan Pitkethley, who has surpassed 400 digs on the season.
Collectively, the Eagles will be pursuing their second consecutive trip to the Final Four – also marking the program’s third overall appearance in the State dance.
Georgetown Eagles VB
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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