Grand Oaks back to State Tournament after win over The Woodlands

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring's Grand Oaks Grizzlies continue their journey to defend the Texas high school volleyball state title they won in 2023 as the team advanced to the State Tournament in Conference 6A - Divison 1 as they topped district rivals The Woodlands 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-18) in the Regional Final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/grandoaksvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grandoaksvb</a> will return to the State Tournament to defend last year's title! This <a href="https://twitter.com/hallethompson08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hallethompson08</a> swing sealed their sweep over <a href="https://twitter.com/TwhsVball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwhsVball</a> with a 25-18 win on set three. Will have photos and a match report dropping at <a href="https://twitter.com/PDTexas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PDTexas</a> over the weekend. <a href="https://t.co/djX16WRT1v">pic.twitter.com/djX16WRT1v</a></p>&mdash; Guilherme Torres (@grtorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/grtorres/status/1857615708659585373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/2024/11/texas-hs-playoffs-grand-oaks-vs-the-woodlands-photos/">Grand Oaks vs. The Woodlands - Photos</a></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grizzlies had 40 wins and seven losses in their campaign. They were the top team in District 13 with an undefeated campaign of 16 victories and eliminated Nimitz, Bridgeland, Wylie and The Woodlands in the postseason. On Tuesday, they will play Dallas' Allen in the State Tournament semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Performers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180175"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a21233013d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior outside hitter had a very solid game, doing a lot for her team with her production and stability. Coleman's athleticism on offense found no answer across the net and she was very effective hitting from the left and the middle back position. Her shot selection was always great, which allowed her to score in out-of-system plays and keep her errors very low. Coleman also thrived on the backcourt, staying consistent with her passing and delivering some nice digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A good <a href="https://twitter.com/calireecevb2026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@calireecevb2026</a> serves turns into a free ball for <a href="https://twitter.com/grandoaksvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grandoaksvb</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SamaraColeman25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SamaraColeman25</a> converts, giving the Grizzlies a 13-11 lead on set one. <a href="https://t.co/bNA5rx4fLh">pic.twitter.com/bNA5rx4fLh</a></p>&mdash; Guilherme Torres (@grtorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/grtorres/status/1857598323349234057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["318128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a2123301c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing opposite to Coleman, Thompson delivered an equally strong performance, giving Grand Oaks two very solid foundational pieces. Super explosive, the junior was a very important offensive weapon for her team, showing great variation with her swings and great vision to use tips and roll shots. Thompson's swings from the middle back position were really impressive as she was set a very quick ball and was able to hit it with power and precision every time, being nearly perfect in that play. Thompson also did a good job with her passing and defense, but could probably have served better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hallethompson08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hallethompson08</a> smashes the ball as <a href="https://twitter.com/grandoaksvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grandoaksvb</a> get on the scoreboard on set two. <a href="https://t.co/rdkLigYLeg">pic.twitter.com/rdkLigYLeg</a></p>&mdash; Guilherme Torres (@grtorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/grtorres/status/1857602469448073463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["452249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a212330239"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sampson's offensive game plan was as methodical and straightforward as one would expect for a final as she heavily relied on Coleman and Thompson to score. The junior setter did a great job of not overloading her pin hitters and added a great deal of variation, moving them around very often and using many combination plays with each of them, which kept The Woodlands' blockers guessing. Sampson's sets were always accurate and she was calm the entire time. She also contributed some digs and did a good job from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":721253,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/IMG_2584.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-721253" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Oaks vs. The Woodlands</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["235997"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a2123302ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The junior libero played at her usual high level, giving the Grizzlies a strong presence on the backcourt. Reece was very stable with her passing, throughout the match, working with Coleman and Thompson and keeping the team in system offensively. Her defense grew a lot from the second set on and Reece used her ball control to generate several transition plays for her team. The libero also had good serving runs and was ready to step up when the setter got the first contact, at times even hand-setting from the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":721265,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/IMG_2618.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-721265" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Oaks vs. The Woodlands</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["534414"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a21233032a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The sophomore right side wasn't super involved offensively, but did a good job when she was set, showing interesting tools to put the ball down and avoiding errors. Owens made a much more significant impact with her blocking, creating problems for The Woodlands' pin hitters with her excellent reading and timing at the net. She got some stuffs in key moments of the match, getting points at the end of sets or that helped stop strong pushes made by their opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='534414' first='Mia' last='Owens'] get the stop as <a href="https://twitter.com/grandoaksvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grandoaksvb</a> win set one 25-22. <a href="https://t.co/vVRwoBb2pX">pic.twitter.com/vVRwoBb2pX</a></p>&mdash; Guilherme Torres (@grtorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/grtorres/status/1857601421648052336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["179917"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a212330381"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior outside hitter was the centerpiece of her team, appearing well on both sides of the ball. Lewis covered a lot of ground in serve-receive and was always efficient with her passes, helping keep her team in system. She was their main offensive weapon too and responded well, showing good variation and consistency at the net. Lewis displayed great firepower to challenge Grand Oaks' blockers, but also found nice angles and great spots to her tips and shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":721241,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/11/IMG_2529.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-721241" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Oaks vs. The Woodlands</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sasha Bespaly","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Woodlands","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='510661' first='Houston' last='Skyline'] The Woodlands","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673a212330456"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If there's one area where The Woodlands were better than Grand Oaks was the middle and that had a lot to do with Bespaly's strong showing. Very tall and physical, she was dominant at the net and appeared well offensively and defensively. The junior made great use of her length to score points, making contact with the ball at a high point and swinging with power into different directions. She also had a strong blocking presence and was very active in winning 50-50 balls and handling tight sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sasha Bespaly beats the block in the middle and scores for <a href="https://twitter.com/TwhsVball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TwhsVball</a>, who trail <a href="https://twitter.com/grandoaksvb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@grandoaksvb</a> 10-9 on set two. <a href="https://t.co/bIww5VrD1a">pic.twitter.com/bIww5VrD1a</a></p>&mdash; Guilherme Torres (@grtorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/grtorres/status/1857604768803311928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->