District 7-3A Volleyball Season Outlook: Comanche, Eastland

(Photo courtesy of Coach Krista Wilcox)

First Look Feature: Our 2026 digital preview series covers all 29 Big Country high school sports programs ahead of kickoff on August 28.

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Comanche

Comanche is coming off an outstanding season that included a playoff appearance, but the Maidens enter 2026 with a younger lineup after graduating several key contributors.

2025 season: Finished 27-10 overall, 9-5 in district; advanced to the bi-district round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

The Maidens return 4 starters from a team that finished 9-5 in district and advanced to the bi-district round of the Class 3A Division I playoffs.

Key players:

• Marlie Gaines (Sr. Setter): Enters her senior season with more than 900 career assists.
• Raney Pratt (Sr.): Versatile player and returning varsity starter.
• Danica Carroll (Jr. OH): Key attacking option for the Maidens.
• Saige Hipps (So. OH): Expected to be a six-rotation player.

Team outlook: Coach Krista Wilcox believes the returning players understand the commitment required to make a playoff run after helping transform the program into a postseason contender.

Comanche competes in District 7-3A with Breckenridge, Dublin, Early, Eastland, Millsap, Peaster and Tolar.

Eastland

Eastland enters the 2026 season with optimism after returning a strong core from last year’s squad.

2025 season: Finished 16-17 overall, 6-8 in district.

Coach Kenzie Wright welcomes back 9 lettermen and 5 starters from a team that finished 16-17 overall and 6-8 in district.

Key players:

• Jayci Majors (Sr. OH): Led the team in kills, hitting percentage and digs last season.
• Ella Rodgers (Jr. Setter): Team leader in assists and entering her third varsity season as setter.
• Myla Huffman (Jr. Setter)
• Jensen Harrower (So. OH)
• Avery Ainsworth (Sr. MB)
• Laney Scitern (So. DS)

Offensive leaders:

• Jayci Majors (Sr. OH): Top returning attacker and hitting leader.
• Ella Rodgers (Jr. Setter): Team’s returning assists leader.

Defensive leaders:

• Jayci Majors (Sr. OH)
• Laney Scitern (So. DS)

Team outlook: Wright believes the Lady Mavericks have a strong returning group and expects them to be ready to compete after an offseason of preparation.

Eastland competes in District 7-3A with Breckenridge, Comanche, Dublin, Early, Millsap, Peaster and Tolar.

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