GAMES
RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Stratford Spartans volleyball team.
THE SETUP: No. 13 Stratford | VYPE Houston Volleyball 2026 Preseason Rankings
Headlining the next wave will be reigning District Blocker of the Year Milena Miladinovic, a senior Winthrop commit expected to serve as the centerpiece of Stratford’s lineup. Coach Jenny Adcock believes the keys to the season will be strong ball control, an effective middle attack, and tough serving.
First-team all-district selections Emmaline Glazner (Jr. MB/RS) and Sydney Hatcher (Jr. OH), along with second-teamer Lauren Gioco (Sr. L/DS), are proven contributors who now take on expanded responsibilities, while Amiyah Foreman-Shaw could emerge as a breakout presence capable of surprising opponents.
“I think that we are really locked in to prove ourselves this season,” Adcock said. “We graduated a couple of very high-level players, and our 2026 group really wants to make their personal mark on Stratford volleyball.”
The championship-level culture is already in place, so don’t expect the Spartans to take a step back anytime soon.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON VOLLEYBALL MAGAZINE
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE 2026 CITYWIDE PHOTOSHOOT
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Stratford's Milena Miladinovic (Sr. MB)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
Grand Oaks' Halle Thompson
THE OPENING SET: H-Town Volleyball 2025 Regional Finals Preview // Powered by LOVB
...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE UIL VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF BRACKETS
...
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)
...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE UIL VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF BRACKETS
...
