By Rob Tate
SportCast Media
To reach the playoffs in District 13-6A, one of the most competitive leagues in all of Texas high school volleyball, you have to pick up key wins to create separation in the standings.
Oak Ridge did just that Friday to conclude a four-match road trip.
Three nights after waging battle with No. 4-ranked Grand Oaks that resulted in a setback, the fourth-place War Eagles earned a resounding 25-12, 25-22, 25-13 sweep of Willis.
All four district wins for Oak Ridge (27-7, 4-2) have come in straight sets this season and its the fifth straight win over the Wildkats dating back to the beginning of 2023. Oak Ridge also swept Willis earlier this year in a non-district tournament match at Huntsville.
Oak Ridge presented a balanced offense Friday with nine players contributing to 37 total kills.
Junior Leila Ceaser led the way with nine kills on 43% hitting. She also added 13 digs for a double-double and an a team-best four aces.
Junior Gaby Santiago added six kills, a team-best 17 digs and two blocks.
Sophomore Micah Rusher added five kills and a team-best four blocks. Layla Porter and Karlie Glover each had four kills apiece.
Per usual, senior setter Bradi Rhodes led the way with 19 assists while adding five digs. Samantha Daley was second in assists with 12.
Riley Dube added eight digs.
Oak Ridge served up 11 aces as Santiago had three and Daley had two.
The War Eagles return home Tuesday for the frist time since Sept. 6 to host Caney Creek. The Panthers stunned Conroe on Friday night to raise their record to 3-3 in district play, just a match back of Oak Ridge.
