Area loaded with state-caliber talent
The 2021 volleyball season saw five teams from the Houston area advance to the state tournament: Ridge Point, Bridgeland, Manvel, Needville and Bellville. None of them were able to bring home the championship hardware, but all are returning this year with plenty of optimism about getting back to the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. With the first practices beginning Monday and matches getting underway Aug. 8, here is a look at some of the top squads to watch for the 2022 campaign.
Ridge Point aiming for return to state
Ridge Point has been one of the top programs in the Houston area in recent years, reaching the UIL Class 6A state tournament in 2018, 2019 and 2021. The Panthers are still chasing that elusive first championship and certainly have the talent to get back to Garland this time around under head coach Lauryn Bailey. Ridge Point capped last season with a 38-11 record and posted a perfect 14-0 mark in District 20-6A. The Panthers ultimately came up short against Keller in the state semifinals. The team will have to replace the production of two All-American players after the graduation of middle blocker Alexis Roberson (LSU) and setter/hitter Nina Moorer (Louisville). The Panthers also lost a veteran back line presence with the graduation of their digs leader, Nylah Raspberry. But make no mistake, Ridge Point still has plenty of firepower coming back. It begins with outside hitter and Colorado commit Sydney Jordan, who led the team in kills last season with 396. The Panthers also have a talented sophomore hitter with Kennedi Rogers, who stepped up in big playoff moments a year ago. Another intriguing player is senior middle Arissa Smith, who brings plenty of defensive prowess to the net at 6-2. She had 111 blocks last season.
Bridgeland hoping to make more history
Bridgeland made history last season with its first state tournament appearance under head coach Verena Khalil. That team set a new standard for the young program, and the Bears should have plenty of reasons for optimism coming into the 2022 campaign. Despite finishing second in District 16-6A behind a talented Cypress Ranch squad, the Bears caught fire during the playoffs and rolled all the way to Garland. The team ultimately came up short against eventual state champion San Antonio Brandeis and finished with a 39-12 record. Bridgeland will have to replace the production of outside hitter Mallory Garner, who was named the All-Greater Houston player of the year. The good news for the Bears is that 6-2 senior Kennedy Kays is poised for a big season as the go-to hitter after finishing just behind Garner with 457 kills last year. Junior outside/right side hitter Olivia Waggoner brings plenty of firepower to the lineup as well, and junior libero Alice Volpe returns as one of the top players in the city at her position. Junior defensive specialist Emily Orlando will be a staple on a strong back line, and junior Lauren McIntyre is an experienced setter.
The Woodlands has lots of firepower
The Woodlands is one of the top programs in the Houston area, year in and year out. It should be more of the same this time around as head coach Terri Wade and her players attempt to get back to the state tournament for the first time since 2018. The Highlanders seemed poised to break through to Garland last fall but ultimately came up short in a five-set thriller against Bridgeland in the Region II-6A championship. The team finished with a 41-8 record, marking the fourth time the program has reached the 40-win mark since 2015. Since Wade took over that year, the Highlanders have not suffered double-digit losses in a single campaign. The 2022 squad has loads of potential with senior setter/hitter Claire Dewine leading the charge. Dewine is a versatile player who can contribute in a big way wherever she lines up on the court. Senior libero Molly Tuozzo should be back to full health after an injury-hampered junior season. She’ll provide a stabilizing force on the back line, along with junior Olivia Chojnacki. Senior middle blocker Marjorie Johnson is one of the top returning defensive players in the area after recording 129 blocks last year.
Manvel poised to have a strong campaign
Manvel should have high aspirations this season after breaking through and making its first state tournament appearance last year. The Mavericks cruised to a 16-0 record in District 22-5A and carried that momentum into the postseason. The team knocked off College Station with a five-set victory to claim the Region III-5A championship and punch its ticket to Garland. Manvel ultimately came up short against eventual champion Lucas Lovejoy in the state semifinals. The Mavericks finished with a 37-12 record under head coach Susan Kennedy, who has built her program into one of the best in the city. Manvel should be a contender in 2022 as well with a wealth of talent returning to the fold. The team will be led by its top two kill leaders from last year — seniors Devyn Lewis and Lyric Jordan. That duo combined for nearly 900 kills and more than 100 blocks last season. Also returning is junior libero Bea Angeles, who has valuable back-line experience under her belt. The key for the Mavericks could be sophomore setter Kenedy Massie, who was named the All-Greater Houston newcomer of the year after a brilliant freshman campaign. She amassed 1,257 assists last year and will facilitate the team’s attack with even more confidence this time around.
Cypress Ranch seeking redemption
Cypress Ranch looked poised to make a deep playoff run last year before running into The Woodlands in the area round. That matchup featured two of the best teams in the city, but only one could advance. For the Mustangs, that meant capping an otherwise fantastic campaign with an impeccable 39-4 record. The team also swept through District 16-6A with a 14-0 mark and should contend with Bridgeland for another title this year. Cy Ranch boasts plenty of returning talent with senior outside hitter and Texas A&M commit Bianna Muoneke. She is one of the top players in the Houston area and finished last year with a team-high 673 kills. The roster also includes two players who showed a lot of promise last year — junior Taryn Gilreath and sophomore Taylor Porter. Gilreath collected over 500 assists last season, and Porter was second on the team with nearly 400 kills. Junior middle Tya Lynch has potential for a breakout campaign after leading the squad in blocks last season, and senior Kirby Kliafas should play a bigger role as well.
Other UIL teams to watch:
Klein, Tompkins, Cinco Ranch, Deer Park, Clear Springs, Dawson, College Park, Seven Lakes, Fulshear, Barbers Hill, Foster, Lake Creek, Needville, Bellville.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS Fort Bend Christian aiming for repeat
Fort Bend Christian made history last season by winning the program’s first TAPPS state championship. The Eagles captured the Class 5A crown to finish off their inaugural campaign under head coach Alex Edwards. The team finished with a 35-4 record, including a dominant 14-0 mark in district play. Fort Bend Christian should be the favorite entering the 2022 season as well with several key contributors coming back to defend the throne. Sophomore middle blocker and multi-sport star Bayleigh Minor returns to the lineup after leading the team in blocks and finishing second in kills in her first high school season. Other private school teams
to watch: Episcopal, Second Baptist, St. Agnes, Concordia Lutheran, The Woodlands Christian, Lutheran South, Frassati Catholic, St. John’s.