• Key to the game: The No. 4 Lady Mustangs, once again, own a huge talent advantage over their opponent. Just like their bi-district match when they breezed by Rosenberg Terry, the Lady Mustangs must remain focused and not assume anything. The longer Reagan hangs in the game, the more probable an upset becomes. Friendswood, like it has all year, must not let that happen.
• Statistically speaking: After their sweep on Tuesday, the Lady Mustangs have dropped just five games in 21 matches since the start of district play (including the Dickinson tournament). Without the playoff warm-up loss to 5A and No. 17 Clear Lake, the Lady Mustangs have won 20 matches, just dropping two games. That’s an impressive run.
• Mohl’s prediction: Friendswood wins easily again in straight sets.
+++
Santa Fe (36-5) vs. Waltrip (14-5)
• When/where: 7 p.m. today at Alvin
• Key to the game: When Santa Fe’s middle blockers — Regina Trapp and Taelor Higgins — are on and playing great defense, the Lady Indians are hard to beat. The defense sets up the offense and gets outside hitters like Katie Marabella in a groove.
• Statistically speaking: Santa Fe has yet to beat a ranked opponent this year, going 0-4. Waltrip comes in at No. 21, according to the Texas Girls Coaches Association. The Lady Indians lost twice to No. 4 Friendswood and once each to No. 2 Canyon Randall and No. 3 Austin Lake Travis. Those top five teams, however, are a far cry away from No. 21.
• Mohl’s prediction: Santa Fe gets back to the regional quarterfinals after a one-year hiatus with a 3-1 victory over Waltrip.
