Volleyball playoffs: Several Amarillo metro teams continue their postseason dominance

The high school volleyball playoffs are rolling on across Texas, and several programs from the Panhandle made strong statements this week as they move into the regional semifinal round. Some teams cruised, others had to grind, but the common theme is simple — the level of volleyball is rising, and so is the excitement.

Randall Lady Raiders Stay Locked In

Randall has been here before — deep in November and playing their best volleyball. After finishing as the Class 4A Division II state runner-up in back-to-back seasons, the Lady Raiders looked every bit like a team with championship expectations during a quick sweep of Fabens on Monday in Seminole.

Scores of 25-9, 25-13, 25-11 told the story. Randall came out sharp and never gave Fabens a chance to settle in.

Freshman Chloe Brown continues to shine under the postseason spotlight, leading the match with 12 kills and adding 10 digs for a double-double. Bennett Moore made her presence felt everywhere — dishing out 15 assists, picking up 8 digs, and firing 8 aces as Randall totaled 16 from the service line.

The supporting attack was strong as well:

Amber Matthews: 9 kills, 2 blocks

Nevaeh Conner: 8 kills, 5 digs

Kambree Gonzalez: 9 digs

Next Up: Randall (28-14) meets Krum (24-16-1) in the regional semifinals Thursday at 5 p.m. in Vernon.

West Plains Deals With Pressure, Moves On

West Plains faced a tougher battle in its sweep of El Paso Ysleta, but the Lady Wolves found answers when they needed them to extend the program’s impressive streak of reaching at least the third round in each of its four seasons.

Scores: 25-22, 25-23, 25-21 — close in every set.

Senior middle blocker and McNeese State commit Aaniyah Kitchen stepped up on the big stage again, powering down 16 kills and adding 4 blocks and 2 aces.

The Wolves got balanced offense behind:

Kynzie Ward: 9 kills

Teagan Hudson: 7 kills, 3 blocks

And the ball movement was steady:

Cecilia Murillo: 18 assists

Bella Wineberg: 13 assists, 12 digs (double-double)

Idaly Sotelo led the defense with 20 digs, helping keep long rallies alive.

Next Up: A much-anticipated rematch with Decatur (38-7) — the defending state champions — Thursday at 5 p.m. in Childress.

Canyon Cruises Into Next Round

Canyon wasted little time in its sweep of El Paso Riverside, including a dominant 25-4 second set. Laney Jones hit her marks all match long with 17 kills and 3 aces, while setters Brylee McElroy and London Gibson combined for 30 assists.

Next Up: Canyon (23-15) meets Eagle Mountain (34-11) Thursday at 5 p.m. in Colorado City.

Tascosa Keeps Momentum Rolling

Tascosa continued its strong postseason run with a sweep of El Paso High. Setter Libby Miller directed the offense with 20 assists, Avery Scalf finished with 8 kills, and Bennet Berryman steadied the defense with 14 digs.

Next Up: Tascosa (29-11) vs. Birdville (27-9) Thursday at 7 p.m. in Childress.

Amarillo High Makes It 18 Straight

Amarillo High remained one of the state’s hottest teams, winning its 18th straight match with a sweep of El Paso Chapin. Senior Kinsler Hanson led with 8 kills and 4 aces, while sophomore Harper Vaughn delivered a double-double (13 kills, 15 assists) and added 9 digs. Kensleigh Payne protected the net with 8 blocks.

Next Up: Amarillo High (32-8) faces Aledo (39-3) Friday at 5 p.m. in Vernon.

Bushland Continues Championship Form

Bushland, the two-time defending Class 3A state champion, handled business again with a sweep of Denver City. Berklee Billington led with 13 kills and 4 aces. Laynee Adams added 11 kills, while Jaida Scott and Morgan Eberly combined for 40 assists. Ava Permenter anchored the defense with 22 digs.

Bushland has now won 15 straight playoff matches.

Next Up: Bushland (37-8) meets Jim Ned (29-10) Saturday at Lubbock-Cooper.

What’s Next

Thursday and Friday will feature several high-level matchups, including:

Randall vs. Krum

West Plains vs. Decatur

Canyon vs. Eagle Mountain

Tascosa vs. Birdville

Amarillo High vs. Aledo

Bushland vs. Jim Ned

The postseason is moving fast now — and these upcoming rounds will start to separate contenders from teams simply hoping to extend their season.