3 county volleyballers make Houston's top list

HOUSTON — Galveston County made quite an impression at the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association on Sunday.

Three players from the area were named to the organization’s preseason top players, making up 10 percent of the team. Clear Creek’s Ashley Smith, Dickinson’s Shelbee Berringer and Friends-wood’s Jasmine Casey all received the honor.

“It’s a big honor,” Friendswood coach Jerry Linch said. “Houston has some of the best players in the country and is one of most developed in terms of volleyball. So to have this area well-represented is an accomplishment.”

Smith, a sophomore, was one of the youngest players on the team. As a freshman on Creek’s senior-laden team last year, Smith managed 118 kills and 159 digs.

“For her to be on that team, it’s impressive,” Clear Creek coach Scott Simonds said. “She’s got a great future.”

Casey, a senior and The Daily News’ reigning All County Player of the Year, served as Friendswood’s captain a year ago and helped the Lady Mustangs to a record-breaking 40-win season. She also led the county in kills (503) and was third in digs (524).

Berringer, a senior and first team All-County pick a year ago, is one of the best liberos in the state. She earned a scholarship, a rarity for a defensive specialist, to Central Arkansas University.

In 2010, Berringer led the entire county in digs (638) and ranked in the top 15 among Texas schools, according to Maxpreps.com

“You feel comfortable with Shelbee in the back,” Dickinson coach Mitzi Matthews said.

All three figure to have big years, again, and continue to help keep Galveston County volleyball on the map.

Don’t Look Now

The Lady Mustangs have recovered nicely after dropping their first two games. Friendswood beat Clear Brook last Tuesday, one of the favorites in District 24-5A. It then won six of its next seven games at the Byron Nelson Classic, including wins over ranked Highland Park and Waco Midway.

Friendswood also beat Santa Fe, its perennial district rival. The Lady Mustangs took fourth overall.

It’s been a nice and quick revival after losing three players who were expected to start.

“I am surprised, because I didn’t think we could rebound that quickly,” Linch said. “But the girls have talent, and they want to play. They want to win, and that goes a long way.”

Clear Creek also had a nice weekend, finishing fourth in the Spring Branch ISD Tournament. Creek lost to No. 1 Cy Woods but did take a game off the Lady Wildcats.

“They were really good,” Simonds said. “But we played well. We’re playing very good right now.”

Players Of The Week

• Katie Marabella, Santa Fe — The senior probably should have made the top 30 volleyball players in Houston. This week, she proved why, getting 89 kills.

• Jill Bergeson, Friendswood — The sophomore had 52 kills during the weekend.

• Natalie Piznar, Clear Creek — Piznar had a match Tuesday with zero defensive errors and 19 digs.

Games of the week

• Friendswood at Clear Creek, 6:30 p.m. today — These old county rivals square off again. Both teams are coming off top four finishes at tournaments.

• Angleton at Santa Fe, 5:30 p.m. today — The Lady Indians meet a familiar foe, a team expected to be on the upswing this season.

• Dickinson at Barbers Hill, 6:30 p.m. Friday — The Lady Gators get another good test against a very good Barbers Hill team.

• Ball at Hitchcock, 6:30 p.m. Friday — Both teams look for first win.