Volleyball: College Park Pulls Away From Kingwood, Finishes Invitational Undefeated

The Cavaliers won a close opening set before creating separation in a 25-22, 25-13 tournament-closing victory.

College Park 2, Kingwood 0

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — College Park defeated Kingwood 25-22, 25-13 on Saturday, Aug. 22, at College Park High School, completing an undefeated run through the 2026 College Park Invitational.

The Cavaliers stayed within reach during a close opening set, moved ahead late and then controlled the second set to finish their home tournament with a straight-set victory.

College Park coach Candice Collins Gibson, beginning her 25th season as a head coach and her 22nd season leading College Park said the tournament provided an opportunity to compete against evenly matched teams while testing different player combinations early in the season.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us to play multiple lineups, but also be comfortable because we’re at home,” Gibson said. “It’s a good opportunity to get some other lineups and just kind of see what works this early in the season.”

Kingwood led 13-9 when College Park called timeout in the opening set. The Cavaliers worked their way in front 18-17, prompting Kingwood to use its first timeout.

The teams remained close through the final points. Kingwood called its second timeout with College Park leading 23-22, but the Cavaliers scored the next two points to secure the 25-22 win.

College Park created separation earlier in the second set. Kingwood called timeout with the Cavaliers leading 14-9, and College Park outscored the Mustangs 11-4 the rest of the way to complete the sweep with a 25-13 victory.

Gibson used multiple lineups and substitutions during the match. Piper Jenkins, AnneMarie Haley, Sadie Kendrick, Reese Ellen, Mya Ellett, Macie Fralix, Drew Cameron, Hailey Tinnell, Caroline Prihoda, Layla Dickinson and Ava Rodriguez were among the College Park players who appeared against Kingwood.

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Gibson said the tournament allowed College Park’s new leaders to take more responsibility for managing situations on the court.

“They need to really take control on the court as well as off the court, too,” Gibson said. “I don’t want them to rely on me all the time, so I’m trying to let them kind of work through some things.”

The Cavaliers also used the tournament to continue developing trust, skills and their understanding of different match situations.

“I feel like each match, there’s so much growth, whether it’s learning to trust each other or skill-wise, or learning scenarios, volleyball IQ,” Gibson said. “Each match, we learn a lot.”

Gibson identified communication and additional lineup options as priorities before district competition. She said College Park has enough bench depth to use more players and wants each one prepared to contribute without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

“We have really good depth on our bench, and I would like it to be able to be played at any time, to where we don’t miss a beat,” Gibson said.

Gibson is assisted by Stephanie Porter, Dana Scholtens and Kourtney Gibson.

By The Woodlands Student Center Staff