Highlands chemistry clicks for district run

This is the time when Highlands volleyball finds out just how good it is.

The Owls are in the midst of their toughest run through District 28-5A.

Highlands is 16-10, 5-1 after its first district loss, which came at the hands of McCollum on Friday, Sept. 19. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Highlands was to play Jefferson, and on Friday, Sept. 26, it will take on Brackenridge. All four are battling for the top spot in the district.

Right now, our confidence is high, but we know we have a big week and a half in front of us, Highlands coach Jacqueline Barrientes said before the McCollum match.

Barrientes expected her team to be in the mix for the district title after returning five starters and 11 letter winners from last season. Highlands finished second to Brennan in District 28-4A. With Brennan's departure to the Class 6A ranks, that left Highlands as one of the teams to beat on paper.

One of the team's leading hitters is back in junior outside hitter Jazmine Jackson. She and fellow junior Bryten Mitchan have formed a formidable attack on the outside. Barrientes said Mitchan has emerged as an attacking player this season after primary focusing her efforts as a blocker last year.

In club (volleyball), she focused on her swings because she wanted to be a go-to outside hitter, Barrientes said. It's showing. It's paying off.

Another returnee making big contributions is senior all-around player Emily Pearce.

She's not going to be the one who leads us in kills, Barrientes said. She chips in where she can. She controls us on serve receive and does a great job in the back row.

Although the Owls had experience, they did go through some early-season struggles with a 5-8 start. However, they began turning things around during a tournament at Laredo United where the Owls made it into the Gold Bracket and finished sixth overall.

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Highlands chemistry clicks for district run