[September 09, 2011] Volleyball: ECISD teams face Midland ISD foes in District 3-5A openers Tweet Sep 09, 2011 (Odessa American - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- ODESSA, Texas -- There has been ample time for preparing and adjusting. Now it's all about performance. The District 3-5A volleyball schedule starts today with Odessa High and Permian both playing host to rivals from the Midland ISD. Odessa High (19-13) faces Midland High (19-14) at 4 p.m. in the OHS Fieldhouse, while Permian (15-15) takes on Midland Lee (18-12) at 5 p.m. in the Permian Fieldhouse. "It is a little nerve-racking because we're finally going to play for something big," Odessa High senior defensive specialist Evelyn Frausto said. "But we're confident in our team and we're definitely ready." More than a month of matches and practices has led to the 3-5A openers, with Odessa High seeking a return to the Class 5A playoffs along with both Midland ISD teams. Permian hasn't been to the postseason since 2003, and the first step toward erasing that absence comes today against Lee. "We have a lot to prove to the district, to the school, to the fans and everyone," Permian senior outside hitter Janae Skaggs said. "We have a lot to prove, and we're capable of proving it. I know we are." Odessa High has won four consecutive matches but had to make an attacking adjustment after junior outside hitter Alexa Branum broke her collarbone. That means more full-time responsibility for sophomore Alexis Arroyo and junior Viviana Avalos in those spots for the Lady Bronchos. First-year OHS head coach David Patrick rotated plenty of players in spots through the team's opening 31 matches, so his focus today is squarely on a successful start to the 3-5A slate. "We're going to try to take some of the momentum we've got into this match," Patrick said. "It's going to be tough (against Midland High) -- it always is. We want to make the playoffs, and every game is going to count. We'd like to start off with a win." Permian's also made some personnel moves throughout the first month, with sophomore Chassidy Cottrell moving up to a varsity role and contributing at outside hitter. Also for the Lady Panthers, sophomore Katie Reeves has moved up to play setter alongside freshman Jordan Williams after junior Missy Emery was hurt during a loss Aug. 23 to Lubbock Monterey. Permian got a momentum boost Saturday by beating El Paso Montwood -- a team that has beaten Midland High, Midland Lee and Odessa High this season -- and will try to get a strong start against Lee. "We've worked hard," third-year Permian head coach Ruth McWilliams said. "The girls have worked hard. They deserve to play hard and compete. They need to prove that to themselves. I know they can do it." ___ (c)2011 the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) Visit the Odessa American (Odessa, Texas) at www.oaoa.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]