Pearland shines once again in Adidas tournament action

Oilers lead local teams in top national event

Pearland led the way as five local teams tested themselves last weekend in the nation’s most difficult volleyball tournament.

The host Lady Oilers placed 11th in the 88-team field of the Adidas Texas Volleyball Invitational last week at various campus in Pearland ISD. They won five of seven matches. Junior Brooke Botkin was named to the all-tournament team.

No. 4-seeded Pearland (7-2) won all three of its pool play games before sweeping Colleyville Heritage in the first round of the 32-team gold bracket. The Lady Oilers’ run to the championship ended with a three-game loss to Lewisville Hebron in the second round.

They rebounded to defeat No. 12 Prosper in the consolation bracket before losing to No. 1 Lucas Lovejoy after that.

Friendswood (4-5) won four of eight matches and placed 35th overall. The Lady Mustangs finished third in the 12-team silver bracket. In that field they defeated Trinity Christian Academy, Alamo Heights and Houston Memorial.

Dawson (4-4) was in position to win its pool and qualify for the gold bracket when they went to a third game against No. 8 Flower Mound. The Lady Eagles lost the decisive game, 25-23, and finished 41st overall.

Alvin (5-5) won five of nine matches to claim runner-up in the bronze bracket. The Lady Yellowjackets placed 46th overall.

Lutheran South finished 59th overall and finished runner-up in the copper bracket. The Lady Pioneers’ best victory came against Ridge Point.

Meanwhile, area rival Clear Creek cruised all the way to the championship match of the 88-team event. The Wildcats lost to Coppell in a three-game final.

Clear Creek senior Mariah Pardo was named the tournament’s Outstanding Setter. Middle blocker Hannah Froeschl and libero Olivia Rigby earned all-tournament honors. Clear Springs outside hitter Kylie Jedlicka also was named to the alltournament team.

Upcoming volleyball

With district play coming up much sooner than they would like, local teams have big tests on the schedule Tuesday. The marquee match-up is Tuesday when Pearland plays host to Friendswood at 6:30 p.m. Dawson hits the road to face two-time reigning regional champion Clear Falls at 6:30 p.m. Manvel plays host to Ridge Point at 6:30 p.m.

Football scrimmages

With football season just one week away, local teams will get in one final tune-up with a scrimmage on Friday. Manvel will travel to face DeKaney at 9 a.m. Dawson takes on La Porte at the Rig at 3:30 p.m. Friendswood plays host to Seven Lakes at 6:30 p.m. Pearland will face Clear Springs at Presner Stadium at 7 p.m.