BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
When Stephanie Crispin stepped into PSJA North’s varsity lineup as a sophomore last season, she was too much of a sweetheart.
She had the height and the athleticism to be a dominant attacker in the front row, but her mentality was keeping her from her full potential, PSJA North coach Alicia Jaime said.
“Our goal was to make her a little bit tougher, where we want to get that anger out of her,” Jaime said. “Go out there and slam that ball. Get that power out. She was holding back a little bit on her hitting. Doing some things through the summer has helped her gain her confidence and use her power now.”
Now one of the Lady Raiders’ leaders in kills as junior, Crispin is a major reason PSJA North has playoff aspirations after falling just short last season.
Crispin spent her summer playing with a club team and has been working to build strength both in the weight room and through CrossFit exercises.
As a result, the 5-foot-11 middle has grown into a powerful and accurate hitter and blocker for the Lady Raiders.
“She just takes over the net when she’s on that front-row rotation,” Jaime said.
Setter Samantha Enriquez has also become a crucial piece for the Lady Raiders. Little more than a reserve last season, Enriquez was thrown into the starting role when North’s senior setter was lost due to grades.
Although she had never played the position and doesn’t boast ideal height, Enriquez quickly adjusted to the new role. Jaime said Enriquez is quick to the ball and has soft hands.
“Samantha has a good attitude, good character, very coachable,” Jaime said. “We started working with her on her sets, and she came through.”
STEPPING FORWARD
Weslaco East graduated nine seniors at the end of last season, so coach Corina Nava was left looking for new leaders.
She found one of them in an unexpected player: junior Rachelle Cardoza, a first-timer both at the varsity level and at the libero position.
“Rachelle is the one that stepped forward and surprised us,” Nava said. “She is always the positive vibe of the group. The loudest one on the team. The first one in practice, the last one to leave. That type of great kid that every coach looks for.”
Cardoza was an all-around player on JV but projected as a libero on varsity because of her short stature. She quickly emerged in the competition for the starting spot due to her speed, quickness and ability to read the opposing attack.
Nava said Cardoza is always asking questions in an effort to better learn how to handle each situation she might encounter. Cardoza has also excelled at analyzing and remembering the other team’s tendencies.
“When she’s off the court, you can tell,” Nava said. “You don’t have that communication. You don’t have control of the defense when she’s not back there. “
Valerie Castaneda and Olivia Espinoza have also been key for East. The team is attempting to make back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in program history but is off to a slow start, losing its first two matches to PSJA Memorial and Edinburg North.
HOT STARTS
As district play gets underway for Class 5A and 6A teams across the Valley, some familiar faces have already started to assert themselves as favorites.
McAllen High and McAllen Memorial are both 2-0 in District 30-6A, while defending District 31-6A co-champs Edinburg North and Edinburg High are also yet to lose.
In Class 5A, Mission Veterans, Sharyland Pioneer, Donna High and Edcouch-Elsa are all 2-0. Each team finished in the top two of the 2014 district standings.
The biggest early surprise has been PSJA Memorial, which is 2-0 in District 31-6A after finishing fifth a year ago.
RGV Volleyball Top 10
1. McAllen High
2. Mission Veterans
3. Los Fresnos
4. McAllen Memorial
5. McAllen Rowe
6. Donna High
7. Edinburg North
8. Sharyland Pioneer
9. Brownsville Hanna
10. Brownsville Veterans