JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
MERCEDES — The Mercedes Lady Tigers volleyball team advanced to the postseason Thursday, defeating Brownsville Porter at home in four sets, 25-16, 25-15, 16-25, 25-17.
Both Mercedes (21-17, 7-7) and the Cowgirls (11-15, 6-8) played for the final playoff spot in District 32-5A.
But for a game with so much at stake, the Lady Tigers felt the worst sensation at the worst possible moment, a queasy air of déjá va.
“I was like, ‘Please, not another game like (this),” Lady Tigers coach Judy Gutierrez said. “We need to put this away.”
Mercedes won the opening two sets in deciding fashion, and were led by the defensive efforts of the front line. Gavy Guerrero tallied a game-high five blocks. The backcourt contributed as well, as Alex Peña collected 31 digs.
However, much, like they did in last Saturday’s win over PSJA Southwest, the Lady Tigers stumbled in the third set, looking disoriented and slow-footed. Mercedes committed several unforced errors, giving the resilient Cowgirls an easy victory.
“I told them to not give (Porter) any indication (they could be beaten),” Gutierrez said after giving up the sweep. “We knew what we had to do. I told them to believe. Start off strong, and the game is yours.”
And it was, as Mercedes rolled to an easy 25-17 win in the final set, leading by as many as eight points.
“I told them to fight for every point,” Gutierrez said. “One hit, one kill, one point at a time. Whatever it takes.”
The win is Mercedes’ third in a row. The team looks to carry that momentum into the first round of the playoffs against Mission Veterans Memorial. Time and location of the match is yet to be determined.
“We wanted it make it so bad,” senior Summer Vento said. “We did it. We’re in. We’re coming for it, and we’re so lucky.
Vento led the Lady Tigers with 11 kills.
For the Cowgirls (11-15, 6-8 District 32-5A), the loss marks a continuation in what now becomes 15-year playoff drought.
“We didn’t do the little things tonight,” Cowgirls coach Laura Fortner said. “There was a lack of communication.”
Despite the loss, Fortner is optimistic about the future.
“I’m getting all but one of my players back next year,” Fortner said. “I’m still proud of what this team did this season.”