High school volleyball playoffs: Local teams make strong starts

The postseason is in full swing, and West Texas high school volleyball teams wasted no time showing why they’re contenders. Amarillo High, Tascosa, West Plains, Randall, Canyon, and Bushland all advanced from their bi-district matchups with dominant performances on Thursday night.

Amarillo High Lady Sandies Continue Their Tradition

The Amarillo High Lady Sandies kept their proud playoff tradition alive, defeating Wichita Falls Legacy in straight sets, 25-14, 25-16, 25-8, in Childress. With the win, AHS extends a remarkable streak, having won an opening-round playoff game for over 40 consecutive years.

Sophomore Harper Vaughan was a standout, recording her first playoff double-double with 15 kills and 11 assists. Bennett Rea led the team with 18 assists and added eight digs, while Kinsler Hanson contributed 12 kills and eight digs. The Lady Sandies (31-8) will now face El Paso Chapin (28-7) in the regional quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Seminole High School.

Tascosa Lady Rebels Cruise Into Round Two

Tascosa also advanced, sweeping Abilene High, 25-10, 25-15, 25-8, at Lubbock Monterey High School. Defensive standouts Bennet Berryman and Presley combined for 29 digs, with Berryman tallying 15 and Ward 14. Libby Miller and Addison Merrell set the offensive pace with a combined 35 assists, while Berkley Harper chipped in 12 kills. The Lady Rebels (28-11) will meet El Paso High (26-13) in the regional quarterfinals at 3 p.m. Monday in Monahans.

West Plains Lady Wolves Show Postseason Power

In Class 4A Division I, West Plains handled Seminole with authority, winning 25-11, 25-21, 25-16 at Frenship High School. McNeese State commit Aaaniyah Kitchen led the way with 15 kills and five blocks. Kynzie Ward added nine kills, and Bella Busch contributed three blocks. Offensive coordination came from Cecilia Murillo and Bella Wineberg with a combined 29 assists, while Idaly Sotelo anchored the defense with 14 digs. West Plains (31-11) now faces El Paso Ysleta (29-8) at 1 p.m. Monday at Andrews High School.

Randall Lady Raiders Begin Another Strong Run

Randall, coming off consecutive state championship appearances, opened the 2025 playoffs with a 25-9, 25-15, 25-18 sweep of Fort Stockton in Brownfield. Bennet Moore served five aces and had 22 assists, while freshman Chloe Brown added 13 kills and Kambree Gonzalez contributed 12 digs. Randall (27-14) will face Fabens (15-13) in the regional quarterfinal at 5 p.m. Monday in Seminole.

Canyon Lady Eagles Complete a Perfect Bi-District

Canyon made it three-for-three in bi-district play with a 25-15, 25-23, 25-12 victory over Midland Greenwood at Lubbock-Cooper High School. Brylee McElroy recorded 18 assists and eight digs, London Gibson added 15 assists and seven digs, Laney Jones led the attack with 20 kills, and Aiva Kerr tallied 13 digs. The Lady Eagles (22-15) will meet El Paso Riverside (10-15) at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Andrews.

Bushland Lady Falcons Aim for a Three-Peat

The back-to-back UIL state champion Bushland Lady Falcons jumped out to a fast start in their postseason, sweeping Littlefield 25-9, 25-10, 25-11 in Littlefield. Bushland has now won 14 consecutive playoff games and stands at 36-8 on the season. Laynee Adams led the attack with 12 kills, Berklee Billington had 11 kills, and Jaida Scott and Morgan Eberly combined for 38 assists. Ava Permenter anchored the defense with 26 digs. The Lady Falcons will face Denver City (34-9) at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Littlefield.

Looking Ahead

With several local programs moving into the regional quarterfinals, the stakes are high. From Amarillo High to Bushland, these West Texas teams have shown they have both the talent and the tradition to make deep postseason runs. Fans can expect hard-hitting action and a strong showing as the region’s best volleyball programs continue their pursuit of state glory.