News 9/8/2006

Battle for 5A volleyball playoff spots is wide open

By Staff writer Anthony Andro

Area 5A volleyball teams jump into the district fray tonight with a new twist. Instead of competing for three playoff spots, there will be four spots up for grabs in the next seven weeks. Here's a look at what's happened so far and what to expect starting tonight.

DISTRICT 5-5A

What we've seen: The Carroll Lady Dragons (18-4) have established themselves as the top teams in the area, with only one of their losses coming to a Tarrant County team. Keller (6-14) and Grapevine (11-13), playoff teams from last year, have struggled trying to work new players into lineups. Keller Central (20-5) has been the surprise, making the jump from 4A to 5A look effortless. Colleyville Heritage (15-8) is off to a solid start.

What to expect: Who knows? With half the teams going to the playoffs this year, all eight of the 5-5A teams -- from Carroll to Haltom (12-8), which is off to its best start in years -- believe they have a chance. Even Richland (5-16) has come on after a slow start.

Key players: Brittany Lehman, Grapevine; Lauren Salisbury, Carroll; Christy Driscoll, Keller; Evoni Darling, Colleyville Heritage; Kelsey Mahoney, Keller Central; Brittany Barnhill, Northwest; Hillary White, Richland; Ashley Willis, Haltom

Playoff predictions: Carroll, Grapevine, Colleyville Heritage, Keller