TOP TEAMS

Arlington: Arlington (31-8) has beamed since finishing an all-time best third at the prestigious Pearland tournament. Senior OH Sarah Joeckel has given valuable leadership to this talented team. At 6-3, MB Tobi Farrar is an offensive force on the front row.

Arlington Martin: OH Chelsea Ringel and MB Stephanie Minnerly, members of Martin's 2005 state championship team, have been instrumental in the team's strong season. Ringel is known for her power shot but has a strong defensive and service game, too.

Coppell: Two of Coppell's losses have come to defending state champion Amarillo. Coppell (36-4) reeled off 21 straight wins before losing the regular-season finale against Flower Mound Marcus. Five returning seniors – including Division I recruits OH Kayla Kirk (Duke), MB Laurie McNamara (Villanova) and OH Jordan Raines (Denver) – make Coppell a formidable opponent.

Highland Park: Playing a tough tournament schedule paid off for Highland Park (27-9), which rolled to the District 10-4A title, going 14-0 in district. Junior OH Katherine Culwell is on target to win her second district MVP award.

Lake Highlands: Lake Highlands' status as an area heavyweight took a tumble in the second half of District 9-5A play with losses to Plano West and Allen. Still, the District 9-5A champion is dangerous. Junior OH Tori Mellinger is one of the area's most versatile players, leading the team in kills and digs.

McKinney Boyd: There may not be a more experienced team in 4A than Boyd (39-2), which returned all its regulars from last year's squad that advanced to the area round. OH Kaylyn Frink, and MB Maggie Monogue, both seniors, have served as the team's rocks all season.

SLEEPERS

Allen: Allen opened District 9-5A play at 3-3, but it won its last eight matches to finish in a tie for second place with Plano West. Seniors Sydney Ellis and Jen Neice and junior Sarah Bullock – returnees from the only area team that advanced to the state tournament last season – have been steady all season.

Arlington Lamar: Lamar finished third in District 8-5A, with all of its district losses coming to Arlington and Arlington Martin, but it's hard to count out this perennial power.

Euless Trinity: Trinity didn't lose a district match in rolling to the 7-5A title. The team's emphasis on defense has paid off.

Plano West: Plano West's size makes it a tough matchup. Its lineup includes hard-hitting Shannon Hawari (6-1, MB), Jordan Kirk (6-2, OH) and Maddie Jones (6-2, OH).

Red Oak: Red Oak, which is making its 19th straight playoff appearance, lacks size and is extremely young. Its nine-player rotation includes three freshmen and one sophomore.

Rowlett: The District 10-5A champion experimented with a quicker offense during the second half of district play, with much success. MB/RS Mary Caitlin Bottles is one of the area's top players.

Mesquite: Mesquite won the District 12-5A title with a 10-0 mark, extending its district winning streak to 28 matches. Junior MB Courtney Manning is a solid attacker and defender.

WELCOME TO THE PARTY

First-time playoff qualifiers:

Denton Guyer: The third-year program didn't win a game in 12 district matches two years ago. This season, led by Nevada-bound OH Erin Garvey, Guyer dropped two en route to the 5-4A title.

Frisco Wakeland: Wakeland finished second in District 9-3A at 12-2 after winning just four district matches in its first season last year.

Keller Central: Senior setter Kelsey Mahoney helped begin the program three years ago. Last season, the co-District 5-5A champions finished a match out of the playoffs.

Lovejoy: The first-year program, made up of freshmen and sophomores, won the District 9-3A title with a 13-1 record.

Mansfield Legacy: Legacy qualified in its first season of existence with the help of five former varsity players from Mansfield Summit and Mansfield Timberview.

DON'T MISS THESE PLAYERS

Mary Elizabeth Hooper and Danielle Manack, Plano: Hooper, bound for Wichita State, has good size for a setter (5-11). Manack, a junior libero, has more than 650 digs.

Emily Maher and Brittany DeWeese, Flower Mound Marcus: The senior middle blockers are strong on the attack and strong blockers. Maher leads the team in kills and blocks. DeWeese is second in those two categories.

Amber Williams Roberts, Richardson Pearce: The senior MB is a strong blocker and excellent at attacking from the back.

Paige Flowers, Denton: The fourth-year starting setter recovered from a devastating knee injury last season to pace Denton's attack.

Emily Shearin and Leigha Whitmire, Woodrow Wilson: The 6-0 seniors are capable of making a Woodrow a spoiler.

KEY DATES

Today – First day of UIL 4A playoffs

Monday – First day of UIL 5A, sub-4A playoffs

Nov. 9-10 – UIL regional tournaments (5A, sub-4A); 4A regional finals

Nov. 15-17 – UIL state tournament, San Marcos