In its first year as a varsity team in 2007, Fort Bend Travis finished fourth in a very competitive District 23-5A and got a playoff spot.

This year, the Tigers are aiming for not only a district title, but going all the way to regionals.

The young but talented team from Richmond took on two tough teams on the first day of the Spring Branch ISD volleyball tournament Thursday evening at Northbrook Middle School, beating Klein Oak and Bryan in straight sets. Travis got big play from its middle blockers to beat the Panthers 25-22, 26-24; and then got great defensive plays to hold off the Vikings 25-23, 25-22.

“The two teams we played against were two really good defensive teams,” coach Dana Anderson said. “My girls were just outstanding as far as coming together, their serve receive, their offensive plays and defense. This team is young, but they’re coming together and working well. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Travis was led in both games by their hard-hitting outside hitter Ashley Bannister, who missed most of last season due to injury. But now healthy, her hitting skills are just as strong as her defense and athleticism. She led the Tigers with eight kills and four blocks against Klein Oak.

“She’s an amazing player, she plays all the way around,” Anderson said. “Her serve receive, her defense, her offense; it’s all there. She’s a unique player.”

Joining Bannister is sophomore middle hitter Marissa Maas, senior outside hitter Taylor Szpulski and senior middle blocker Megan McStravick, who each had a hand in beating a tough Bryan team.

“The four of them together is just amazing,” Anderson said.

In the Bryan game, Travis fought off a tough hitting Viking team by making key digs and crisp passing. Also, the Tigers hustled for every ball that was dug and did a good job to get them over the net.

“The girls have a lot of heart and determination, and they’re not going to give up on the ball, no matter wherever it is,” Anderson said.

Travis will begin district play early than the rest of the area, with its opener against Kempner on Tuesday at Wheeler Fieldhouse. Unlike last year, when the Tigers snuck up on the top teams to get a playoff spot, they will be the ones with a target on their back.

But Anderson knows that her team will be ready for the challenge, as well as ready to make a strong run in the postseason.

“They got some really high goals set, and want to get farther in the playoffs,” Anderson said. “They just focus on the match at hand.”

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