By Rob Tate
SportCast Media
The calendar flips to October on Tuesday, just in time for the second round of District 13-6A volleyball and the final stretch of the regular season.
After its second consecutive 1-1 week, Oak Ridge (28-8, 5-3) is still slotted into fourth place and in playoff position. The War Eagles capped the first round of district play Friday night with a 25-18, 25-16, 25-17 loss to No. 9 state-ranked The Woodlands.
Through eight district matches, Oak Ridge holds wins over all five teams currently below it in the district standings. The War Eagles were swept by the three teams ahead of them – all of them state-ranked currently.
It was a night for the scrapbooks last Tuesday as Oak Ridge honored seniors Bradi Rhodes and Layla Porter while also witnessing junior Gaby Santiago eclipse the career 1,000 kills, 1,200 digs mark in a sweep of Caney Creek.
After Friday’s road loss to the Highlanders, Oak Ridge loads up the bus again this Tuesday to head northeast to play Cleveland (4-18, 0-8).
To begin district play back on Aug. 27, the War Eagles cruised past the Indians 25-10, 25-2, 25-7. Sophomore Micah Rusher had eight kills and a block that night while junior Riley Dube led with four of the War Eagles’ 12 aces. Rhodes had 21 assists and Santiago led in digs with seven.
Oak Ridge returns home Friday for what sets up to be a big match with No. 17 College Park (22-9, 6-2).
The Cavaliers and War Eagles played a thriller Sept. 3 with the Cavaliers rallying for the 14-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13 win.
Santiago and Ceaser led offensively that night with 13 kills apiece. Jade Clay added six kills and led in blocks with seven. Ceaser led in digs with 26 while Santiago had 21 and Brooklyn McQueary had 20. Rhodes passed for 31 assists.
Oak Ridge is looking to snap a nine-match losing streak to College Park. The War Eagles last defeated the Cavaliers in November 2020.
DISTRICT 13-6A STANDINGS
Grand Oaks, 8-0
The Woodlands 7-1
College Park 6-2
Oak Ridge 5-3
Willis 4-4
Caney Creek 3-5
Conroe 2-6
New Caney 1-7
Cleveland 0-8
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