Friendswood's rebuilt volleyball squad opened the 2026 season with a 25-12, 25-22, 35-33 home sweep of Dickinson on Tuesday, Aug. 11, as three underclassmen combined for 30 kills to replace the firepower lost from last year's state semifinalist roster.

Junior Elaina Holtvluwer led the Lady Mustangs with 12 kills. Junior Francesa Barraza and 6-foot-1 freshman Ayda Blackmon each added nine. The trio filled a void left by eight graduated seniors, including district MVP Nadi'ya Shelby, who tallied more than 400 kills last season before enrolling at the University of Florida, and setter of the year Caroline Adams, now at the U.S. Naval Academy.

"I thought we played really great for our first match," head coach Sarah Paulk told The Daily News. "Some young people really stepped up and played awesome. It was really exciting to see."

Paulk, the 2024-25 District 20-5A Coach of the Year, used three different lineups across the three sets as she evaluates a roster still sorting out roles. Junior Ashley Adams ran the offense with 18 assists, senior Gabby Palermo added 12, and sophomore Kinsley Lovell anchored the back row with 17 digs. Senior Ellie Leiko posted four blocks and Blackmon added three.

The first two sets were lopsided, but Dickinson made the third a battle. The Lady Gators staved off set point eight times and held two chances to win the set before Friendswood closed it out 35-33.

Dickinson head coach Kati Farias said her team found its footing late, crediting improved blocking discipline and shot selection in the final frame. Dickinson returns 10 players, including three starters, from a 23-16 squad that finished 7-7 in District 24-6A last season and saw its two-year playoff streak snapped.

The win extends a streak for Paulk, who has guided Friendswood to the playoffs every season in her 11 years leading the program. The Lady Mustangs are the three-time defending District 20-5A champions and entered the year ranked No. 11 in VYPE Houston's preseason poll, as we reported Aug. 5.

Last season's 37-10 team reached the UIL state semifinals for the 11th time in program history and first since 2019. Three of the eight departed seniors had been four-year players.

Friendswood heads to the Port Neches-Groves tournament Friday, Aug. 14, then returns home to host La Porte on Tuesday, Aug. 18.