To ealry to talk about Amarillo High going to State?

Probably so. But Amarillo High showed everybody something new in the No. 4 Lady Sandies' win over Tascosa on Tuesday.

Blocking.

And for a team who isn't horribly tall, that was a little bit of a weak spot before Tuesday. But a focus on the defensive move in the practices leading up to the crosstown rivalry match really made a difference.

While chatting with AHS coach Jan Barker today, I got the feeling the team impressed even her with their ability to keep Tascosa's hitters -- including Division I talent Thea Munch-Soegaard -- from putting the ball down.

Not only were AHS' front-row players getting above the net, but they were in the right positions and blocked the ball back at the Lady Rebels. It was a display I'd seen only while watching college volleyball.

That could complete the package for Amarillo High, and Tuesday's revelation may be something that springboards the three time defending Class 4A champions to another visit to the tournament in San Marcos.

Tascosa rebounds against Lubbock Coronado

The Lady Rebels (11-7, 2-1 District 2-5A) beat the Lady Mustangs (8-15, 1-3) 3-0 Tuesday at the Tascosa Activity Center after their first district loss there Saturday. Sophomore outside hitter Thea Munch-Soegaard led Tascosa with 21 kills.

Amarillo High (27-3, 3-0) also swept their match on the road at Odessa Permian. The win extends their district winning streak to 42 matches.

Amarillo High, Tascosa roll in District 2-5A play

The Lady Sandies (25-3, 2-0) and Lady Rebels (10-6, 2-0) both swept their teams Tuesday and finished their matches in less than an hour.

AHS disposed of Lubbock Monterey (9-15, 0-2) 25-3, 25-16, 25-16 and THS beat Odessa Permian (9-13, 0-2) on the road 25-16, 25-11, 25-15.

Results for District 3-4A teams in nondistrict play
Canyon (15-3) beat Frenship on the road, while Hereford (22-4) defeated Dalhart (14-8). Randall didn't play.

Amarillo High volleyball wins in Pearland; other local teams begin tourneys today

The Lady Sandies won three tournament matches Thursday at the Nike Pearland Classic, bringing them to 20-2 (1-0 District 2-5A) on the season and moving them to today's gold bracket.

Most of the other area teams -- other than Tascosa, who took the weekend off -- will play in various tournaments starting today. In town, San Jacinto Christian Academy hosts a 16-team tournament that includes River Road, Fort Elliott and Ascension Academy, among others.

Volleyball: Tascosa def. Lubbock High 3-0 at home

The Lady Rebels (9-6, 1-1 District 2-5A) dominated the Lady Westerners in a match that saw nearly the entire team take the court and get valuable game experience. Hitters Olivia Savage (9) and Keeley Brogdon (8) led the team in kills. Thea Munch-Soegaard did not play.

Tascosa volleyball star sidelined

Tascosa sophomore outside hitter Thea Munch-Soegaard will not play in today's District 2-5A opener against Lubbock High, which is about 9 minutes from starting at THS.

Lady Rebels coach Scott Sandel said the team's leader in kills has a slight shoulder injury, but is expected back for next Tuesday's district match at Odessa Permian. Tascosa doesn't play this weekend.

District 2-5A high school volleyball begins Tuesday

School started today, but it's already time for Amarillo High and Tascosa to begin playing District 2-5A matches against their eight opponents from Lubbock, Midland, Odessa and San Angelo.

The Lady Rebels (8-6) begin the home action today, hosting Lubbock High (7-6) at 7 p.m., while the three-time defending Class 5A champion Lady Sandies (16-2) travel to Lubbock Coronado (5-10) to begin their long district schedule.