A powerful spike is volleyball's version of the slam dunk.

But for Lake Highlands, it is the dig and return of a spike that brings the most joy.

"When the other team has the biggest hit of its life, and we get the ball up, that's one of the best feelings," said Kenzie Thompson, one of 10 Lake Highlands seniors. "They are already celebrating because they think they've won the point."

RICKY MOON / Special to DMN

Lake Highlands outside hitter Tori Mellinger has faced Westlake before - at the Duncanville Tournament of Champions in August.

Lake Highlands (45-4), a first-time qualifier for this weekend's Class 5A state tournament, relies on finesse, not power.

"We're scrappy," said undersized 5-6 right-side hitter Carly Dunklin.

Coach Cory Williams, in her ninth season, said her players have come to expect looking up to taller opponents at the net.

Freshman Matalee Reed is Lake Highlands' only six-footer. The three other 5A state qualifying teams combine for nine.

"We'll be one of the smaller teams down there," Williams said. "We don't grow them tall in Lake Highlands, but we have good athletes."

Generating extra incentive is last year's four-game loss to Plano West in the Region II final.

But experience, good and bad, has made the team tougher.

"Our approach this season is different," said senior Paige Benton, who had 23 digs in the regional final victory over Round Rock. "Every point means more."

Adding to the pressure has been the team's high ranking throughout the season. Any finish shy of a state appearance would have been disappointing.

"Mentally, this is the toughest team we've had," said Williams. "They have a lot of experience in stressful matches."

The close-knit team performs well around its marquee players, 5-6 setter Angie Morgan and 5-10 outside hitter Tori Mellinger.

During the regular season, Morgan was second in the area in assists with 10.40 per game, and Mellinger (headed to Texas A&M) was fifth in kills with 4.53 per game.

Players and coach agree the team began to believe in itself when it won the Duncanville Tournament of Champions in mid-August. In the semifinals, Lake Highlands defeated Friday's state semifinal opponent, Austin Westlake (25-23, 18-25, 25-13). Lake Highlands went on to beat Amarillo (25-21, 26-24, 22-25, 25-21) in the final.

Amarillo is trying to become the first 5A team to win three straight state titles. Westlake is attempting to win its third state title in seven years.

"I'd say it is a definite advantage for us, knowing we have beaten them," said Thompson. "But it is not going to make us overconfident."

(At Texas State University's Strahan Coliseum, San Marcos)

7 p.m. Friday

Lake Highlands (45-4): Texas A&M-bound Tori Mellinger leads a team making its first appearance in the state tournament. Lake Highlands beat Westlake at the Duncanville Tournament of Champions in August.

Westlake (39-7): Westlake is no stranger to the state tournament, earning its eighth trip and sixth since 2001. Outside hitter Sara Shaw, a junior who has orally committed to USC, leads the Region IV champion.

7 p.m. today

Highland Park (38-8): Led by Auburn signee Katherine Culwell, Highland Park is making its second trip to state. Highland Park beat Lake Travis at the Justin Northwest tournament in August.

Lake Travis (37-9): The Region IV champion returns to state for the first time in 13 years. Senior Heather Leyva and junior Elissa Underwood form a respectable offensive tandem.

1 p.m. Friday

Lovejoy (38-5): Lovejoy, in only its second varsity season, has emerged as a volleyball power. Led by Lauren McDaniel and Natalie Puckett, the team is riding a 21-match winning streak.

Caldwell (29-14): Caldwell beat Hamshire-Fannett to win the Region III championship. Caldwell's junior-laden squad has only five seniors, but Kim Crnkovic has been a productive senior leader.

Damon L. Sayles