STAFF REPORTS
The Pace volleyball team suffered a 25-8, 25-7, 25-16 loss at home Tuesday during a Class 5A bi-district match against Mission Veterans Memorial, the Rio Grande Valley’s top-ranked team.
Pace, the fourth-place finisher from District 32-5A, finishes its season with a 12-16 record as District 31-5A champion Mission Veterans, 37-3, moves on and is expected to play Calallen later this week in the area round of the 5A playoffs.
The Lady Vikings advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2010.
“Making the playoffs was our goal this season from the very beginning, even before we started playing,” third-year Pace coach Gavin Rudder said. “By making the playoffs, it allowed our girls to realize that their hard work would pay off.
“The best part of tonight’s match was seeing the fight our girls gave in that last game,” Rudder added. “They did not give up. This match was a learning experience for our players, especially the younger ones who will be coming back.”
Rudder was impressed by the top-ranked Lady Patriots.
“You definitely have to bring your ‘A-plus’ game if you want to have a chance to beat them,” the Pace coach said. “They’re a very good team that hits and blocks well.”
When asked if there were any of his players he wanted to mention as standouts during Tuesday’s match, Rudder said, “I would just say all of our girls.”