Success. While the word may be an overused cliché in the world of sports, it certainly applies to the Magnolia High School volleyball program during the 11-year tenure of Coach Terri Johnson.

Last year’s 36-10 record and a regional semifinal trip for the Lady Bulldogs marked the fifth district title for Johnson. It also marked the third consecutive year that Magnolia has posted a 30-plus win season, including a trip to the state semifinals in 2008.

After losing eight seniors from the previous squad, many might think that the Lady Bulldogs are in rebuilding mode.

“Yes we are young,” Johnson said. “But these girls have been waiting in the wings for a chance to play.”

It seems as if Magnolia has simply reloaded considering they have a leader in junior Kylie Randall. Randall is a 6-foot-2 outside hitter who has already verbally committed to Ohio State.

“She hits the ball hard,” Johnson said. “Offensively she will have to lead us.”

“Being a new team (is the biggest challenge),” Randall said. “We have a lot of heart. I know we aren’t big but we work really hard.”

The Lady Bulldogs are looking to defend their 17-4A district title, by playing an extremely tough schedule ahead of district play. They played a tough Pearland squad in the preseason before heading back to the Pearland stadium on Aug. 25 for the massive 84-team Pearland Classic. They start their home season Aug. 23 with a match against last year’s 5A state runner-up The Woodlands.

“Our goal is the same every year,” Johnson said. “Our district is one of the top 4A districts in the state and we want to win it. We have to get used to playing together, but by the time districts roll around we should be playing pretty well.”

Junior setter Shayna Daniels and junior middle blocker Chelsea Reynolds also look to provide leadership.

“(Reynolds) is only 5-foot-6 but she can jump out of the gym,” Johnson mentioned.

The team expects it all to come together by seasons end.

“I feel like we have a lot of potential, we just have to bond as a team,” Daniels said.

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