GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
EDCOUCH — As Edcouch-Elsa celebrated its District 32-5A title on the court, tears streamed down senior Samantha Martinez’s face.
For three years, Martinez and the Lady YellowJackets had missed their primary goal of an outright district championship, including coming ever so close last season in splitting the honor with Donna High.
On Tuesday, Edcouch-Elsa got the win it needed to ensure there would be no tie this time around, taking down Donna High 25-21, 25-19, 25-11.
“It feels pretty awesome, because we wanted to bounce back from last year,” Martinez said. “We knew we had to win district by ourselves.”
Edcouch-Elsa closes the regular season alone atop the district standings at 13-1, with PSJA High second at 12-2 and Donna High third at 11-3.
Had the Lady Yellowjackets lost Tuesday, they would have split the title three ways.
“This feels amazing,” senior Cassidy Martinez said. “It feels way different than before. It’s something that’s overtaking me. I’m really happy. It’s just amazing.”
After a short team huddle, the players shared hugs with friends, family and each other, posing for photos as Queen’s “We Are The Champions” played over the gym’s speakers.
When the group gathered for a team photo, at least 30 friends and family were lined up across the court to capture the moment with cell phones or cameras.
“We’re very happy,” said coach Ofelia Griffith, who claimed her seventh district title in 13 years. “I tell the girls, ‘This is their time to make their memories.’”
Griffith said the biggest key to the team’s success this season has been teamwork. When E-E lost middle blocker Ale Martinez to injury during the second half of the district season, freshman Neida Ybarra stepped up from JV, and the rest of the group made her feel comfortable and welcome.
“The girls pulled together,” Griffith said.
On Tuesday, the driving force for the Lady Yellowjackets was offense. The attack had become an area of concern in recent weeks, so Griffith stressed playing smarter and placing the ball. Samantha Martinez led the way with 13 kills, and Cassidy Martinez had 10.
After Donna played Edcouch-Elsa close during the first two games, the YellowJackets ran wild in the third, winning 14 of the match’s final 16 points.
“It felt good knowing that we were in control the whole time and not having to go point for point at the end,” Cassidy said.
Now the team’s focus shifts to the playoffs, and a match with District 31-5A opponent Sharyland Pioneer.
Edcouch-Elsa has lost in the first round each of the past two seasons, but Cassidy is aiming for a substantial run.
“I want to go as far as we can — to make it to the Sweet 16,” Cassidy said. “That’s our ultimate goal now. And, if we can get there, then farther.”