2014 District 22-6A - 24-6A Volleyball Preview
July 26, 2014
PEARLAND — Kylie Kerlin will encounter a unique challenge when she takes over the reigns of the Friendswood volleyball program this fall.
The former Georgetown East View coach is not only tasked with taking the Mustangs up to the 6A level. She also needs to build a team worthy of playing in the Houston area's toughest districts.
District 24-6A will not be an average schedule. It is the only league in the state to include two defending regional champs.
Clear Falls made its first trip to state last season and stands as the early 2014 favorite with the return of Alyssa Enneking. The Oklahoma commit earned a slew of honors last season and ranks among the state's most dangerous attackers.
Despite multiple losses to graduation, Friendswood's roster will not be barren. Attackers Sarah Redding and Jessica Ruffing return along with defensive specialist Bailee Whitmarsh.
Clear Falls coach Lyndsay Hodges will have to revamp her supporting cast after losing several starters to graduation.
Unlike last year's uneven 4A district, 24-6A will present no nights off for Friendswood. They will be challenged by experienced squads from Clear Creek, Clear Lake, Clear Springs and Dickinson in the fight for the four available playoff spots.
District 22-6A will likely see a repeat of last season between Pearland and Alvin for the top spot. Alvin took home the league crown in 2013 on its way to the 5A Region III semifinals.
Pearland will challenge with a wealth of returning talent that includes 6-4 senior Cassidy Nussman, 6-foot sophomore Brooke Botkin and a wealth of supporting attackers.
Oilers coach John Turner lost both his setters to graduation, but has available options to fill that void.
Pearland has also has several back row options to solidify Turner's defense.
Alvin coach James Stahl lost just two seniors to graduation and can call on some outstanding young players to fill the void.
The Lady Yellowjackets will be led by 5-10 senior setter Elyssa Purcell and sister Kelsey Purcell on the front line.
Dawson will be looking to crash the party in its first season on the 6A level. The Lady Eagles made it to the regional finals in their final 4A season before losing a five-game battle to district rival Friendswood.
Dawson coach Jason Karim's challenge will be to fill numerous roster holes left by graduation. The Eagles do return 6-foot Alyssa Sinnette and 5-10 Zoe Hill on the front line.