Volleyball district 3-4A play is almost here

The toughest volleyball district in the state begins on Saturday at 3 p.m., with the most interesting match taking place when Dumas travels to Canyon.

There have been rumors that the Demonettes (14-11) are down this year, just three seasons removed from a state title. The Lady Eagles (16-3) have looked impressive under new coach Lorrie Hammit, most recently from the college coaching ranks.

This match will be Hammit's welcome to the craziest district schedule a team can have. But weathering the storm is something the Texas Panhandle native -- she was born and raised in Plainview -- is prepared to handle.

"I think the first thing that I really try to get across to (the players) is that we need to get better every single day," Hammit said. "We need to stay focused and realize that once Saturday gets here we're at 0-0 all over again. It doesn't matter what we've done the last several weeks. What matters now is how we take care of business from here on out. You just have to focus on the little things."

And as far as Dumas having a down year?

"I've heard this year that Dumas and Hereford are down, but I've seen them play and their not," Hammit said.

She and Canyon will find out firsthand when the most exciting district finally gets underway.