ALLEN — The Bishop Lynch volleyball team continued its strong start to the 2026 season with a fifth-place finish at the Allen Texas Open, one of the premier tournaments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Friars went 4-1 over the two-day tournament, winning eight of 10 sets and going undefeated in pool play to advance to the championship bracket.
Senior setter Maia Raleigh led the way for Bishop Lynch, earning All-Tournament honors after another impressive weekend. Raleigh totaled 92 assists, 18 digs, five aces, and two blocks across the Friars' five matches.
BISHOP LYNCH TOURNAMENT LEADERS
» Kills: Kylie Love, 45
» Assists: Maia Raleigh, 92
» Digs: Camila Figueroa, 31
» Blocks: Emory Mooney and Charlie Wells, 10
» Hitting Percentage: Charlie Wells, .413
» Aces: Kylie Love and Maia Raleigh, 5 each
POOL PLAY
Bishop Lynch opened the tournament on Friday in Pool 8 alongside Marcus, Rock Hill, and Lake Highlands. The Friars swept all three opponents to win the pool and advance to the Championship Bracket.
The Friars opened the day against Marcus and used a strong serving performance to earn a 2-0 sweep. Bishop Lynch followed with a defensive-minded performance against Rock Hill, again winning 2-0.
In the final match of pool play, the Friars' offense took center stage as they completed their third consecutive sweep, defeating Lake Highlands 2-0 to finish 3-0 and claim the pool championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET
Winning the pool set up a Saturday matchup with Pearce of Richardson. The Friars carried their momentum into the Championship Bracket, sweeping the Mustangs to advance to the quarterfinals against top-seeded Prestonwood Christian.
The matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since Bishop Lynch pulled off a historic playoff upset over the Lions last season, ending Prestonwood's 20-match winning streak in the series.
The Friars came out strong against the top seed, leading for much of the opening set before Prestonwood rallied late to take a 25-23 victory after two late controversial calls. Bishop Lynch again battled throughout the second set, overcoming a sizable deficit and putting itself in position to even the match before the Lions held on for another 25-23 victory.
Prestonwood went on to reach the tournament championship, where the Lions faced host Allen. The Eagles defeated Prestonwood 2-0 to claim the Allen Texas Open championship.
Ursuline Academy, the other TAPPS District II program competing in the tournament, finished 25th overall. To view every team and all results from the tournament, click here.
NEXT UP:
The Friars have a busy week ahead with two matches and their final regular-season tournament. Bishop Lynch travels to Plano on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to face Coram Deo before returning home on Wednesday to host Parish Episcopal. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Competition Gym. The Friars then open play Thursday at the Arete Cup, their final regular-season tournament. The tournament schedule will be announced when it becomes available.
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