Parish Episcopal, a second-year varsity program, has clinched at least a share of the TAPPS District 2-5A title. That was the first thing on a lofty set of goals that coach Jenny Neuhoff has set for her program this season.

"We wanted to win district and make it to the final four," Neuhoff said, referring to the state tournament. "So far, we are right on target with that goal."

Parish (20-11, 11-0) can clinch the title outright with a victory today at Tyler Grace Community. Parish has defeated Prestonwood Christian twice in district play. On Sept. 11, Parish snapped Prestonwood's 39-match district winning streak. That came three days after Prestonwood defeated Parish at the Prestonwood tournament.

Parish is a fairly young team with seven newcomers, including three freshman starters – Holly Hopkins, Abbey Rogge and Amshatar Stephenson. Sophomores Alex Storey and Whitney Keith, both 6-0, are big contributors. They have melded well with Krissy Daniel and Camie Robertson, the two seniors who receive heavy playing time.

Arlington shows its mettle with pair of 5-game wins

The wins have come in abundance for Sue Cauley in her 21 seasons as Arlington's coach. There have been 602 of them to be exact. But it's the last two – five-game victories against Arlington Martin and Duncanville – that have her buzzing these days.

She was pleased to see her team prevail in those matches, especially on Tuesday, when her team sealed the Duncanville win, 18-16, in the fifth game. It was a tougher-than-expected victory. Cauley said her team was coming off the thrilling win against Martin last Friday and had to fight through an emotional letdown.

"It's a great sign," Cauley said. "When you come up in a situation like that in the playoffs, you'll be ready for it."

Arlington has been riding the momentum of its third-place finish at the highly-competitive Pearland tournament. Arlington (27-8), No. 2 in SportsDay's Class 5A area rankings, is in a first-place tie with fifth-ranked Martin in District 8-5A at 9-1.

TCU-bound outside hitter Sarah Joeckel had 26 kills and 24 digs against Martin.

Despite inexperience, Allen is still going strong

Allen coach Kelley Gregoriew describes this season as "different."

It's true. It's been awhile since Gregoriew had ushered in a season with a team as inexperienced as this year's. The team has only three returning regulars from squad that advanced to the Class 5A state semifinals.

"We don't have a lot of experience, but by the same token, we've not had as many seniors as we do this season," Gregoriew said. "We are young as far as our level of play goes."

Allen has nine seniors. Two – Sydney Ellis and Jen Neice – are returning starters. Junior Sarah Bullock is the other returnee with significant playing experience. Despite the inexperience, Allen competed in the Duncanville, Allen and Coppell tournaments, which drew some of the state's best teams. Allen was 18-7 heading into district play.

Allen (25-10, 7-3) now sits in third place in District 9-5A, two matches behind Plano West and Lake Highlands. One more win secures Allen's 13th consecutive playoff berth.

Naaman Forest rebounds, is on verge of making playoffs

The transition appears to be complete at Garland Naaman Forest, which moved into a tie for third place in District 10-5A with a three-game victory against Rockwall on Tuesday.

Naaman Forest (19-16, 7-3) has endured some tough stretches, going 0-4 at the Allen tournament and 1-4 at the Coppell tournament. But Naaman Forest can secure a playoff berth with a win against Garland on Friday.

"We started off a little sluggish," first-year coach Dawn Smithey said. "They were getting used to the way I run things, and we were still adjusting to one another. We're coming together a little more as a team."

Smithey said her team's blocking has made big strides with Taylor Wycoff and Isabella Roman in the middle. Wycoff has a team-leading 93 blocks. Outside hitter Jessica Bell leads the team with 458 kills, 525 digs and 86 aces.