By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
Port Isabel is starting to become a team.
Now with the rest of the volleyball players joining the squad, Port Isabel coach Blake Ramsey is pleased with the way they are coming together as a team.
“We’re still trying to put all the pieces together,” he said. “But it’s slowly coming together.”
The team has its attention on its defense, much like it did in the preseason. Ramsey’s philosophy begins with defense and the ability to create scoring opportunities off turnovers.
Ramsey also said recent tournaments like the Border Bash have helped bring the team closer and build their chemistry.
“The more games we play, the more we progress, the better we look,” he said.
Now with their defensive prowess up to speed, the Lady Tarpons are working on shot selection.
“We’ve worked on defense a lot (early in the season), but we’re going to on the offensive side of the ball,” Ramsey said.
FINDING THEMSELVES
Porter also is pleased with the way the team has shaped up in the early season.
“We’ve been trying to find our identity,” Porter coach Tony Saavedra said. “What are our good rotations and the like? We’re working on everything, trying to get ready for district.”
The Cowgirls have built some momentum lately as well, winning two of their last three games in the Border Bash. That stretch of games has Porter feeling like it can make a run in district and earn a playoff berth.
“Confidence has been the key,” Saavedra said. “I think the wins have helped build that confidence.”
Saavedra feels the team has the talent and athleticism to play well in district despite a lack of experience. Porter is set defensively but is working on its offensive game.
“We’re getting ready to make that run,” he said. “I think we can make a run to get to the playoffs, that’s our goal.”
GAINING CONFIDENCE
Brownsville First Baptist won four of its five games during the recent San Perlita tournament and has built some confidence for the squad.
The Crusaders are young and have had troubles at times earlier this season without a trio of seniors from last year’s squad. That poise also took a hit recently when last year’s second-leading scorer, Adrea Barrios, injured her knee and was lost for the season.
But luckily for First Baptist, it is finding its way from unexpected places.
“We’re trying to bring up some young girls and get them some experience,” First Baptist coach Marty Bogart said. “I’m seeing chemistry and some leadership in some places I didn’t expect.”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.