Fort Worth-area volleyball: Keep an eye on these 5 teams as playoffs approach

The high school volleyball playoffs start Oct. 30, and several Fort Worth-area teams are looking to make some noise.

Here are the top five area teams to watch as the regular season nears its end:

1. Byron Nelson

Undefeated Byron Nelson, the defending Class 6A Division II state champion, is the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and the favorite to repeat.

On Tuesday, the Bobcats defeated Keller 25-16, 19-25, 25-23, 25-17 to move to 33-0 on the season. It wasn’t a perfect win, but Byron Nelson found a way to respond after dropping its third set of the season.

Byron Nelson is likely headed to the 6A Division I bracket with a larger enrollment than Justin Northwest and Southlake Carroll. Regardless of division, the Bobcats will be the team to beat.

2. Aledo

Aledo is ranked No. 1 in Class 5A by the Texas Girls Coaches Association and will be a favorite to compete for the Class 5A Division I state championship.

The Bearcats (34-2, 9-0 District 5-5A) have been dominant, with wins over solid 6A programs, including Keller and Mansfield.

In 2024, the Bearcats were eliminated in the state semifinals by McKinney North. With a reloaded roster and senior outside hitter Alyssa Todd leading the way with 411 kills, Aledo could be on its way to an even better season.

3. Mansfield

Ranked No. 2 in Class 6A by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, Mansfield is expected to be a state title contender.

As things stand, the Tigers (40-1, 9-0 District 3-6A) are expected to enter the 6A Division I bracket with a larger enrollment than Weatherford and Mansfield Legacy. Nothing is guaranteed, but the Tigers could potentially compete with Byron Nelson down the line.

The Tigers’ sole loss came against Aledo in August. Freshman MC Crutcher has been monumental, leading the team with 487 kills.

4. Southlake Carroll

With Byron Nelson likely heading to the 6A Division I bracket, Southlake Carroll will be one of the teams to beat in 6A Division II.

The Dragons (25-5, 10-3 District 4-6A) are ranked No. 15 in Class 6A by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, and they’ve been battle tested, facing some of the best competition in Texas within their district, including taking a set off of Byron Nelson on Sept. 30.

Senior Kinsley Young has been a force, registering 81 total blocks and 242 kills.

5. Keller

On Tuesday, Keller showcased that it has the potential to go toe-to-toe with Byron Nelson.

The Indians have a solid 27-6 overall record and are 10-4 in District 4-6A. With a larger enrollment of 3,022, Keller is locked into the 6A Division I bracket. To make a deep run, the Indians will need to take down their district rival, which is easier said than done.

Senior setter Anna Flores has been an all-around machine, leading the team with 565 assists and 235 kills.