Volleyball: Lady Coogs riding up and down season

The Cinco Ranch Lady Cougars have more experience than last season, but that hasn't prevented an equal share of ups and downs. Laurence said her team's biggest problem this season hasn't been in manufacturing points or keeping balls off the ground, but rather just in bringing the intensity and focus needed to win big matches. If they do return to the postseason for the 11th consecutive time - and they'll likely have to hold off Katy Taylor to do it - undersized middle blocker Shayla Maldonado will have to carry the load. Cinco Ranch opened district play with a surprising loss to Mayde Creek, which is coached by former Cinco assistant Jennie Miller Not only did the Lady Rams win, they swept the match in three sets. "Mayde Creek played probably the best they've ever played, and they were up for us, and Cinco Ranch walked in there and just played to play, and served every ball we possibly could out and let balls drop," Laurence said.