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Tomball's Gemma Hopkins (Jr. L)
THE OPENING SET: Previewing Houston's Most Intriguing Volleyball Playoff Matchups in Rd. 2 // Powered by LOVB
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Dawson Eagles vs. Clear Springs Chargers (6A-D1 Region III)
Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Monday, November 3rd -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Friendswood High School
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 sweep of Fort Bend Travis, Dawson enters with a 38-4 record and the momentum of an undefeated District 22-6A title run.
Dawson’s star-studded cast begins with senior outside hitter — and 2025 Homecoming Queen — Avery Koonsen, an SFA-commit who’s delivered a staggering 453 kills and nearly 500 receptions this fall. Her all-around play makes her a frontrunner for 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year – if not District MVP – honors.
On the backline, Jenna Thedford (Texas A&M-commit), last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the back row with close to 600 digs.
The setting duo of Taylor Ranney (642 assists) and freshman Alexa Koonsen (414 assists) keeps Dawson’s tempo relentless, while senior hitters Sloane Ranney, Keaton Points, and Isabella Tijernia round out one of the deepest rotations in the region.
If the Eagles advance, it would mark their eighth trip to the Regional Tournament in nine years — a testament to the consistency and culture that coach Lauren Leth has built within the program.
Across the net, Clear Springs arrives at 35-10, carrying its fourth consecutive district title and a 3-0 sweep of Summer Creek in the opening round. Head coach Shannon McClellen’s Chargers are no strangers to postseason pressure and have the offensive firepower to potentially match Dawson point-for-point.
Leading the charge is Caylee Young, a Texas Tech-bound junior whose blend of athleticism and shot variety has yielded 511 kills, 688 receptions, and 368 digs — one of the most complete stat lines in the state.
Lianna Kearns (Sr. L), committed to Concordia University, has surpassed 600 digs, while junior setter Mady Powell (739 assists, 344 digs) and sophomore defensive specialist Aubree Svoboda (316 digs, 604 receptions) provide steady hands and reliability.
For Clear Springs, an upset would mean more than just toppling Houston’s No. 1 team — it would secure the program’s first trip to the Regional Semifinals since 2022.
Clear Springs Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. College Park Cavaliers (6A-D2 Region II)
Tomball Cougars
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Klein Cain High School
While Tomball was solid a year ago, the team has experienced a drastic ascension throughout this campaign under head coach Jordan Williams. The Cougars return to the Area Round with a 38-6 record, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Waller and riding the confidence of one of the city’s most highly-rated clubs.
Senior outside hitter Heidi Horan sets the tone on offense, with 371 kills and 315 digs, anchoring a frontline that also features sophomore Kinsley Moretti, who has emerged as a potent scoring threat with nearly 300 kills, and junior middle hitter Taylor Choate (219 kills, 61 blocks).
Behind the net, freshman setter Greysen Ortmeier has orchestrated the offense with just under 1,000 assists, while junior libero Gemma Hopkins remains the team’s rock, with 546 digs and 466 serve receptions.
College Park enters at 31-11, carrying the momentum of a late-season surge that saw them win 14 of their last 16 matches. After a decisive sweep over Eisenhower in the opening playoff round, head coach Candice Collins-Gibson’s Cavaliers are riding a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Baylor-commit Lacy Tinnell has worked wonders in the middle, racking up 343 kills and 86 blocks this year, while senior outside hitter Reese Ellen has contributed 211 kills.
On the back row, seniors Macie Fralix and Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky commit) share setting duties, each with just under 500 assists, stabilizing the offense despite Prihoda missing time earlier in the season.
Furthermore, CP has a breakout star of its own, given that freshman libero Abby DiMatteo 476 digs to her name.
College Park Cavaliers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Lake Creek Lions (5A-D2 Region III)
Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 6:30 PM
WHERE: New Caney High School
After dispatching Nederland 3-1 last week, Friendswood heads into Round 2 touting a 34-9 record and the confidence of a team built for longevity.
There’s no doubt who the alpha of the group is for coach Sarah Paulk's unit, as Florida-bound senior Nadi’ya Shelby has powered Friendswood through sheer athleticism and technique — tallying well over 400 kills to anchor one of the region’s most dynamic offenses.
While Shelby rightfully draws much of the attention, sophomore Elaina Holtvluwer has thrived on the opposite pin, adding 269 kills to help diversify the attack.
Of course, the Mustangs’ success stems from their structure as much as their star power.
Senior setter Caroline Adams (Navy-commit) has orchestrated the offense with precision, totaling nearly 800 assists and close to 200 digs, while senior libero Haley Patton (North Dakota-commit) steadies the back row with more than 450 digs. Together, they give Friendswood a measured rhythm and resilience that’s carried them through a demanding schedule.
Lake Creek, on the other hand, continues to embody the idea that records don’t always tell the whole story.
Despite entering the matchup at 19-23, coach Kayli Kane and the Lions have emerged from one of the toughest districts in the state — featuring powerhouses like College Station, A&M Consolidated, and Montgomery — and are coming off a convincing series sweep over West Fork in the Bi-District round.
Something the Lions can hang their hat on is the considerable balance they’ve displayed offensively.
Junior Ryan Mokry (330 kills), senior Taylor Woods (280), and sophomore Shelby Lee (276 kills, 269 digs) form a capable core at the net, while senior middle Kansas Lamar (160 kills, 82 blocks) adds size and experience up front.
Meanwhile, freshman setter Sutton Breck Tessier has emerged as a revelation — logging 831 assists and 249 digs in her debut season — and fellow freshman Louisa Ertischek has anchored the defense with more than 450 digs.
Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Clear Springs' Caylee Young
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Britney Solomon -- Pearland Volleyball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With the departure of District MVP Kimanni Rugley to graduation and the transfer of first-teamer Avery Koonsen to rival Dawson, Pearland’s offensive identity faced a reset entering this season. Junior outside hitter Britney Solomon has wasted no time filling the void.
Solomon has emerged as a dynamic all-around presence for the Lady Oilers, already tallying nearly 120 kills while also leading the team in both receptions (184) and digs (89). Her ability to impact the game from multiple areas of the court has been essential as Pearland navigates its early schedule with a 9-8 mark.
Now, with district play looming, the challenge only grows. Matchups against perennial contenders like Dawson, Shadow Creek, and Manvel will test Pearland’s retooled lineup — but Solomon’s poise and production give the Oilers a steady foundation.
Still just a junior, Solomon is proving to be more than a stopgap solution. She’s becoming the centerpiece of a program in transition.
Caylee Young -- Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Some players elevate a team. Others help define it. For Clear Springs, junior outside hitter Caylee Young increasingly feels like both.
Coming off a standout sophomore season — where she led the Chargers in kills (496) and receptions (676), and added 345 digs — Young was named first-team, all-district and recently committed to Texas Tech as of June. But she’s not coasting on past success.
Just a few weeks into the new season, Young is already trending toward an even bigger year, positioning herself as a potential District 24-6A MVP candidate.
She’s also helped guide Clear Springs to a strong 11–2 start, including a third-place finish at the prestigious John Turner Classic – a competition in which Young was named to the All-Tournament team.
Some of the most critical wins for the Chargers, thus far, include ones over Harlan, Lake Travis, Friendswood, Atascocita, and Pearland — programs known for their pedigree.
Steady, explosive, and still evolving, Young’s presence gives the Chargers more than just numbers. She gives them an edge.
Isabella Law -- Shadow Creek Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
As the setter — and de facto “quarterback” — of the Shadow Creek offense, senior Isabella Law is the kind of player whose value often extends beyond the box score. But even the numbers are hard to ignore.
In 2024, Law put together a staggering stat line: 1,341 assists, 410 digs, 87 aces, and 76 kills. Now in her final season, she’s taken on even greater importance for a Sharks squad navigating early injuries and a tough 22-6A slate.
It’s no secret that Shadow Creek made program history last fall by reaching the Regional Final for the first time ever. Their 6–5 start to 2025 might seem slightly more modest, but it comes with signs of promise — most notably a silver finish at the Dickinson Tournament this past weekend.
With district tests looming against powerhouses like Dawson and Manvel, Law’s leadership and consistency will be vital. And if her track record is any indication, Shadow Creek’s chances of another postseason run remain firmly intact.
Addison Musgrove -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
For Lutheran South Academy, sophomore Addison Musgrove isn’t just following in the footsteps of her older sister, Kirra — a former LSA standout now at Texas A&M — she’s carving out a reputation of her own.
Listed as a setter, Musgrove has proven to be far more than that. Her all-around impact is already showing through a stat line that includes team-leading marks in both kills (73) and assists (132), along with 52 digs — a reflection of her versatility and court awareness.
As a freshman, Musgrove earned District Newcomer of the Year and second-team all-state honors. Now, she’s building on that momentum, helping the Pioneers to a 9–1 start to the 2025 season.
With their sights set on surpassing last year’s TAPPS 5A Regional Final appearance, LSA is leaning on its depth, talent — and the poise of a young standout already playing well beyond her years.
Amelie Webb -- Clear Lake Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Clear Lake is off to a promising start this fall, opening the season at 6–3 with quality wins over George Ranch, Bellaire, and La Porte. At the heart of it all is senior Amelie Webb, whose all-around ability continues to be a steady force for the Falcons.
A setter-outside hitter hybrid, Webb’s versatility makes her one of the most valuable players on the floor. So far, she’s tallied 73 assists, 59 digs, and 50 kills — a well-rounded set of numbers that speaks to her adaptability.
After just missing the postseason in 2024, Clear Lake is eyeing a return to the playoff picture — and Webb’s consistency will be key in navigating a competitive district slate that includes matchups with Clear Springs, Deer Park, Clear Falls, and Clear Creek.
As the schedule intensifies, so too will the spotlight on Webb, along with teammates Peyton Aldridge (Sr. S), Landry Youngdahl (Jr. OH), and Natalie Herlambang (Jr. L) — leaders whose contributions continue to shape the Falcons’ identity on both sides of the ball.