The playoffs don’t technically start Tuesday, but you can bet the Oak Ridge War Eagles are treating it as such.
Oak Ridge, which clinched the fourth playoff spot out of District 13-6A last week, concludes the regular season at home against No. 10 The Woodlands at 5:30 p.m.
The War Eagles (33-10, 10-5) bring in a two-match win streak after sweeps of Willis at home and Caney Creek on the road.
The Woodlands (33-8, 13-2) has taken seven straight wins, dating back to Oct. 4. The Highlanders haven’t dropped a set since a four-set loss to Grand Oaks on Oct. 1 and they have dropped just seven total sets during district play.
Oak Ridge seniors Bradi Rhodes and Layla Porter will play their final home match.
Their senior leadership has been huge, but it was the juniors and sophomores in a 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 win at Caney Creek that stood out.
Kill leaders in that contest were junior Jade Clay and sophomore Ally Luke, who each had eight kills apiece. Sophomore Micah Rusher and junior Gaby Santiago each had six kills apiece.
Rhodes also had her fingerprints on the win with a double-double of 19 assists and 13 digs.
Oak Ridge takes another shot at The Woodlands after the Highlanders won in a sweep on Sept. 27, 25-18, 25-16, 25-17.
Twin sisters Abby and Ella Lewis each had nine kills in that match for the Highlanders. Ella Lewis added 20 digs, Sasha Besplay led in blocks with six and Payton Stroud had 20 assists.
Rhodes had a quality match that night for the War Eagles with 13 assists and 15 digs.
It was a balanced night of offense with Rusher reaching five kills. Santiago had four kills and 10 digs.
The Highlanders have been a daunting task for the War Eagles. They’ve won 12 straight meetings dating back to 2018 and are 35-9 since 2007.
Oak Ridge hasn’t publicly announced any playoff tune-up matches later this week. The playoffs are set to begin next week with the War Eagles competing in 6A Division II. This is the first season with the UIL splitting each class into divisions for the postseason.
Oak Ridge sophomore Ally Luke (14) tips the ball in a match against Willis last week.
