Friday Semifinals: Amarillo vs. Georgetown, 5 p.m.; Cinco Ranch vs. Westlake, 7 p.m.
Saturday Finals: 5 p.m.

Amarillo Sandies

Record: 46-3, won Region I

Rundown: The top-ranked Sandies seek to build on their remarkable history: last year, they became the first Class 5A team to win three consecutive state titles … Amarillo has beaten Westlake three times at the state tournament this decade, including back-to-back wins in the past two title matches. … They lack size, but the Sandies have athleticism and experience: 10 seniors litter the squad, including eight that have signed college letters of intent. …Libero Eden Williams was MVP of the Duncanville tournament.

Coach Bennett says:
“They’re the team to beat, because they just don’t know how to lose. … They’re a little similar to O’Connor because they play great defense, don’t have that much size, but they fly to the ball.”

Georgetown Eagles

Record: 39-9, won Region II

Rundown: The Eagles may not have the depth of the other state semifinalists, but the one-two combination of outside hitter Lauren Loerch (Cal-Berkeley commit) and middle blocker Shelbi Goode (Houston) is unsurpassed. … Goode leads team in kills (4.4 per game), aces (61) and solo blocks (103). … Team opened season 5-4, including a loss to Westlake at Fraulein VolleyFest, before catching fire. … After losing twice to Westwood while finishing second in District 16-5A, Georgetown upset Warriors in the Region II finals.

Coach Bennett says:
“They’re maybe not as polished as some other teams at state, but they’re very athletic. … Loerch and Goode are as good as anybody. … They are playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Katy Cinco Ranch Cougars

Record: 40-6, won Region III

Rundown: Cougars had never reached a regional semifinal before this season. … Balanced team includes three players that average at least two kills a game. … Jennifer Sanders, a 6-2 middle blocker, is the Cougars’ go-to offensive player. … Good serving team has five players with at least 20 aces. … Team caught the attention of state observers when it beat Amarillo at Pearland.

Coach Bennett says:
“A little overlooked on the state level, but they really controlled their region. They beat all the best teams in Houston. … Very balanced offensively with that good middle and a couple of flyers on the outside.”

Westlake Chaparrals

Record: 38-6, won Region IV

Rundown: Westlake makes its third consecutive trip to state and seeks it fifth state title. … Sara Shaw, a 6-2 OH committed to USC, a likely state MVP candidate after averaging 4.9 kills and 3.6 digs a game. … Shaw missed much of nondistrict play with an ankle injury, including the final two games of a 5-game loss to Amarillo in the Duncanville finals. … Right side Ella Praisner (2.4 kills a game) and OH Paige Caridi provide balance to team.

Coach Bennett says:
“We’re confident right now, but we don’t want to look ahead [at Amarillo]. Really, I wanted to play them first. … State always comes down to defense and passing. We passed really well at regionals, especially [libero] Tessa Hunt.”