With seven players returning with varsity experience from last year, the Permian volleyball team is looking to continue its current streak of playoff appearances in 2024.
The Lady Panthers are coming off a 24-15 overall record, 4-6 in District 2-6A, from last year that included a third consecutive trip to the Class 6A state playoffs.
“We’re extremely excited,” head coach Gillian Herrera said. “These girls have been putting in a lot of work during strength and conditioning this summer, so we’re excited to get back on the court and see how well this team does this season.”
While Permian did lose All-State player Jade Workman to graduation, Herrera is still excited with the depth on this year’s team.
“We just want to reload and fill in a couple of positions,” Herrera said. “Obviously, Jade’s position is a big one to fill but these girls are up to the challenge and everyone knows their role. Everyone knows they have to step up for us to be successful.”
Of the seven returning players, four saw significant playing time.
Among the players coming back for the Lady Panthers are Mylah Arzaga, Keeley Granado, Demri Balerio, Bridgit Smithee and Mayia Morgan.
“Mylah Arzaga is our starting setter,” Herrera said. “She plays all the way around. We’ll be looking for big things from her. Keeley Granado will be our middle blocker. She started in the middle and we’re looking for her to provide a little more offense this year. Demri Balerio was a DS last year coming back in the back row. Bridgit Smithee will be our outside hitter. She was our second-to-go outside hitter, but I think she’s ready to step up and she’s going to be a junior. She’s been putting in the work and we’re excited for her and I expect Maiya Morgan to help up all the way around this year.”
One of the strengths for this year’s team will be its size.
“I think we’re a little bit bigger than what we have been in the past,” Herrera said. “I think our experience and senior leaders will be a driving force for us this season.”
The Lady Panthers began their first week of practice back on Monday.
Their first game will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 13 against Andrews at Permian Fieldhouse.
After that, Permian will take part in the Monahans Tournament which will take place from Aug. 16-17.
“The Monahans tournament is where you get your feet wet,” Herrera said. “You see things that you’re doing well at and things that you need to work on that are going progress throughout the season. It’s a great first tournament and it’s local. We go over there and just see our offense and defense and what we need to improve on and see our weak areas. It helps us see how we’re going to do.”
The Lady Panthers finished fourth in last year’s District 2-6A standings, clinching a playoff berth on the final day of the regular season with a victory over crosstown rivals Odessa High.
Wolfforth Frenship took the district title last year after going 33-10, 9-1 while San Angelo Central and Midland Legacy each finished ahead of Permian in second and third, respectively.
Herrera is expecting district play to once again be difficult.
“It’s extremely competitive,” Herrera said. “Everyone’s really competitive. These girls are all playing volleyball year-round. I expect it to be tough just like every year.”
Permian will begin district play on Sept. 27 at Midland High.
The Lady Panthers will face the Lady Bronchos on Oct. 11 at OHS.
Their second meeting with Odessa High will be on the final day of the regular season on Oct. 29 at Permian Fieldhouse.
