The road to a state volleyball championship begins this week for two Terry County teams as the Brownfield Lady Cubs and Wellman-Union Lady Cats prepare for their respective bi-district playoff matchups. Both teams aim to turn lessons learned from tough district competition into postseason success. Brownfield, under first-year head coach Angelica Garibaldi, will face a familiar opponent in Presidio on Thursday, Oct. 29, in Pecos, hoping to avenge last season’s playoff loss. Meanwhile, head coach Mandy Carter and the Wellman-Union Lady Cats will travel to Seminole on Saturday, Oct. 31, to battle Grady for a bi-district championship. With their seasons on the line, both squads are focused on executing, competing with confidence and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Lady Cubs Turn Attention to Playoffs, Set for Bi-District Rematch Against Presidio
The Brownfield Lady Cubs volleyball team is headed back to the postseason, and first-year head coach Angelica Garibaldi wants her squad to build on lessons learned throughout a challenging District 3-3A schedule as Brownfield prepares to face a familiar playoff opponent.
The Lady Cubs closed out district competition last week with losses to Denver City and Coahoma, finishing district play at 4-6. Despite the setbacks, Garibaldi believes her team continues to improve and is gaining valuable experience as it heads into the playoffs.
“Last Tuesday, we hosted Denver City at home and came up short, but the girls continued to compete and work hard,” Garibaldi said. “On Saturday, we traveled to Coahoma, where we took the match to four sets. Although we fell short again, I was proud of the way the girls competed and continued to battle.”
Brownfield finished the regular district schedule facing some of the toughest Class 3A competition, including Odessa Compass Academy, Denver City and Coahoma.
“We are seeing growth in this group, and even in tough matches, the girls are continuing to learn, adjust, and gain valuable experience,” Garibaldi said. “We know the competition in our district has prepared us for these moments, and we are working to carry those lessons with us moving forward.”
The Lady Cubs will have one final opportunity to sharpen their skills before postseason play begins. Brownfield is scheduled to host Loop on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in a playoff warm-up match before traveling to Pecos on Thursday, Oct. 29, to face the Presidio Lady Blue Devils in the Class 3A Bi-District round.
Garibaldi said the warm-up match will give her squad a chance to work on consistency and execution before the stakes rise Thursday.
“We will use this opportunity to get more court time, fine-tune some things, and make sure we are playing with confidence and discipline heading into Thursday,” Garibaldi said.
Familiar Foe Awaits in Bi-District Round
Presidio enters the postseason with momentum after an eight-match winning streak through Oct. 23, including recent wins over Tornillo, Kermit, Anthony and Crane. The Lady Blue Devils compete in District 4-3A and present a familiar challenge for Brownfield.
The two programs met in last year’s bi-district playoffs, with Presidio eliminating Brownfield in four sets. This year’s matchup gives the Lady Cubs a chance to turn the tables and advance beyond the opening round.
“We are excited for this opportunity and know we will need to come ready to compete from the first serve,” Garibaldi said. “Our focus this week is on staying consistent, taking care of the little things, and trusting the work we have put in throughout the season.”
Lady Cubs Ready for Playoff Challenge
For Brownfield, Thursday’s playoff matchup offers another chance to show how far the program has come under Garibaldi’s leadership.
Although the Lady Cubs have experienced their share of adversity, their coach believes the team’s determination and willingness to compete will be essential when they take the court against Presidio.
“As we head into the playoffs, our goal remains the same: continue improving, compete for every point, and play for one another,” Garibaldi said. “We know Thursday will be a challenge, but we are excited for the opportunity and ready to get to work.”
Garibaldi also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the Brownfield community.
“I appreciate everyone who continues to support our Lady Cubs and our volleyball program throughout the season!”
The Lady Cubs will face Presidio on Thursday, Oct. 29, in Pecos, with a trip to the area round of the Class 3A playoffs on the line.
DISTRICT 3-3A FINAL STANDINGS
Wellman-Union Lady Cats Set Sights on Bi-District Championship Against Grady
The Wellman-Union Lady Cats are headed to the Class 1A volleyball playoffs, and head coach Mandy Carter wants her team to turn a challenging final week into a strong postseason performance.
After finishing District 3-1A with a 6-2 district record, the Lady Cats will face the Grady Lady Cats in the bi-district round Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at Seminole High School.
Wellman-Union enters the postseason with a 16-11 overall record after a demanding stretch that included matches against Wink and district champion Klondike.
Carter said the tough competition provided valuable postseason preparation, even though the results weren’t what her team had hoped for.
“We faced a challenging week as we wrapped up district play and began looking ahead to the playoffs,” Carter said. “We took on a talented Wink team that pushed us and gave us valuable opportunities to prepare for our final district matchup against Klondike and the postseason competition ahead.”
The Lady Cats closed out district competition Saturday against Klondike, which finished undefeated in district play. Although Wellman-Union fell short, Carter believes the experience will help her team identify areas that need attention before Saturday’s playoff opener.
“Saturday’s game against Klondike did not end the way we had hoped, but there were bright spots that we are looking to build on,” Carter said. “These tough matchups have helped us identify where we need to improve and reinforced the importance of consistency, communication, and trusting one another.”
Despite the difficult finish, Wellman-Union has plenty to build on after putting together another successful district campaign. The Lady Cats finished second in District 3-1A, earning another postseason opportunity.
Carter said the emphasis this week is on making adjustments, sharpening execution and ensuring her players are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Our focus this week is on making those adjustments and carrying the positives into the next challenge,” Carter said.
Grady Awaits in Bi-District Showdown
Standing between Wellman-Union and a trip to the area round is a Grady team that battled its way into the postseason.
Grady enters Saturday’s matchup with an 11-21 overall record after finishing 3-5 in District 4-1A. The Lady Cats secured the district’s final playoff berth Monday by sweeping Borden County in a third-place tiebreaker, winning 25-19, 25-20 and 25-11.
The victory gives Grady momentum heading into Saturday’s contest, while Wellman-Union will look to use its experience against tough competition to its advantage.
With both teams seeking to extend their seasons, Saturday’s meeting will determine which program advances to the area round of the Class 1A playoffs.
Carter and her Lady Cats are excited to keep competing, and the team hopes for a strong showing from the Wellman-Union community.
“We now turn our attention to Grady as we compete for the Bi-District Championship on Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. in Seminole,” Carter said. “We are excited for the opportunity to keep our season going and would love to see our community fill the stands and support us as we begin our playoff run!”
Playoff Match Information
Class 1A Bi-District Volleyball Championship
- Matchup: Wellman-Union Lady Cats (16-11) vs. Grady Lady Cats (11-21)
- Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Location: Seminole High School Main Gym
- Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for students
The winner will advance to the area round of the Class 1A state volleyball playoffs.