Bonham, Texas -- The Texas high school volleyball season takes off in a hurry, with the Bonham Lady Warriors' first practice August 2 and their first match only one week later.

Coming off a successful 7-4 district campaign in 2020, Bonham will look to a quartet of proven performers to chart a course to the playoffs in 2021.

Outside hitter Ali Kirkpatrick was one of the Co-Hitters of the Year in District 11-3A.

Outside hitter Breauna Killgo and server Brianna Rodriguez were both 1st Team All-District selections.

Kirkpatrick, Killgo and Rodriguez are all juniors.

Bonham senior Paizley Vaught was Honorable Mention All-District in 2020.

Bonham head coach Michelle Rodriguez says some new names will likely work their way onto the roster in 2021.

"We are looking at several young faces this season that have been working hard this summer!" remarks Coach Rodriguez.  "We will have to see how things work out in practice. I see a lot of potential in our freshman and sophomore class...we just need to see who is going to step up!"

Coach Rodriguez expects the Lady Warriors' offensive game to be strong again in 2021 with Kirkpatrick, Killgo and Rodriguez leading the way.

"All three are returning starters and have another year of experience on the varsity level," she said.

Coach Rodriguez hopes that added year of experience will result in better on-court communication.

"Communication has always been a weakness of ours and that just comes with age," commented Coach Rodriguez. "We are a year older now and we understand the game more this year, so that means things will start to speed up for them and they will know how to talk to each other and communicate better!"

The Lady Warriors will compete in District 11-3A, along with Bells, Blue Ridge, Gunter, Howe, Leonard, Pottsboro and Whitewright.

Bonham will scrimmage at Caddo Mills on Friday, August 6 and the Lady Warriors will host a scrimmage on Saturday, August 7.

The season opens August 9 at S&S.

District 11-3A action gets underway September 10 when Bonham hosts Leonard.

photos by Allen Rich