Volleyball: Grand Oaks opens district play with sweep of The Woodlands

Defending state champions win on the road in straight sets

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 — 5:30 PM

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Grand Oaks, the UIL Class 6A state champion in both 2024 and 2025, opened its 2025 district campaign with a 3-0 sweep at The Woodlands on Tuesday night at the Highlanders’ senior campus.

The Grizzlies, beginning the season as reigning back-to-back champions, won by set scores of 25–18, 25–18, and 25–19. While Grand Oaks left with a sweep, The Woodlands battled to keep each set close, giving the Highlanders an early look at the level of competition they will face at the top of District 13-6A.

Match Flow

In the opening set, The Woodlands hung even until the midway point before Grand Oaks strung together short scoring runs to close it out, 25–18. The second set followed a similar script, with the Highlanders staying within a few points before the Grizzlies pulled away late. The third set was the most competitive of the night, with The Woodlands pushing to 19 points before Grand Oaks closed on a run to seal the sweep.

Grand Oaks head coach Morgan Rogers said the match reflected both the respect her program has for The Woodlands and the adjustments her team is still working through. “It’s crazy, especially to open up district with The Woodlands,” Rogers said. “But that’s just the realities of our season. We make it work, and we adjust. I’m excited and proud of the way we played tonight”.

Rogers credited a balanced attack, pointing out that sophomore outside hitter Kate Bull stepped up with key kills, while the Grizzlies’ new setters continued to build chemistry with the offense.

Thompson Returns from Indonesia

The night also featured the return of senior outside hitter Halle Thompson, who landed after a 18-hour flight from Jakarta in Houston early Tuesday morning after helping Team USA win gold at the U21 Women’s World Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia, on August 17. Just hours after her flight, she was in the lineup for Grand Oaks.

“I haven’t practiced with this team or played in a tournament with them yet, so I’m really proud of these girls for adjusting to everything,” Thompson said. “I was going to be tired regardless. I might as well be tired and a little sweaty.”

Thompson is recognized nationally as one of the top high school players in the country and has committed to play collegiate volleyball at the University of Wisconsin

The Woodlands’ Perspective

The Highlanders, led by head coach Terri Wade, knew they were facing a challenge against the reigning state champions but showed resilience in each set. Tuesday’s match provided an early-season measuring stick, and Wade’s group now has an opportunity to make adjustments and build off a competitive district opener.

Around District 13-6A

Elsewhere in district 13-6A play Tuesday night:

College Park swept Conroe 3-0 in their home opener.
Oak Ridge traveled to Cleveland and earned a 3-0 victory over the Indians.

Next Games

Grand Oaks competes in the Northwest ISD Varsity Classic from Aug. 21–23 before returning home to host Cleveland on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
The Woodlands will travel to face Willis on Tuesday, Aug. 26.