Not even a few nerves could slow Westlake (34-6) in a playoff-opening romp over New Braunfels (23-20).

After watching his regulars roll to a pair of easy wins in the first two games, Chap coach Al Bennett allowed some playoff neophytes to earn some valuable experience. Those players delivered an up-and-down showing, but they did enough to cap an impressive 25-14, 25-14, 25-20 win in a Class 5A Region IV bidistrict playoff match at Seguin High School Tuesday.

“I was really nervous last year, so I could relate,” said junior Ella Praisner, a veteran of last year’s run to the state championship game. “We told them it’s just like practice. Work one point at a time, and it will work out.

“It’s always good to get this first playoff game out of the way.”

Bennett couldn’t have agreed more with his right-side starter.

“This is the one I hate most,” he grumbled, referring to the playoff opener. “They [New Braunfels] were a fourth-place team in their district [26-5A], but they would have been a No. 2 in most other districts. They’re good.”

The Unicorns weren’t good enough to hold up against an offensive onslaught spearheaded by Sara Shaw. The senior outside hitter had 16 kills, including 12 in the first two games as the Chaps raced to quick leads in each set.

“Sassy’s [Shaw] been biding her time, and now it’s the playoffs,” Bennett said. “It’s time to go.”

Shaw received plenty of help, including seven kills apiece from sophomore Olivia Caridi and Praisner, who celebrated her 17th birthday Tuesday.

The Unicorns need a few more birthdays before they’re ready to challenge Westlake. They have three freshmen and four sophomores on a 12-player roster void of any seniors.

One of those freshmen, Angela Lowak, delivered a team-high eight kills and sparked a surge in the third game that helped the Unicorns tie the game at 18-18. New Braunfels committed three errors down the stretch, however, and Shaw ended the match with back-to-back aces.

Avery Edwards had 19 assists to lead Westlake, and Tessa Hunt tallied 21 digs.

The Chaps will face Corpus Christi Carroll in the second round at a time and place not yet determined.