FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer
LA FERIA — Harlingen South added another two victories to the win column Saturday at the La Feria High School gymnasium.
The Lady Hawks defeated the Lionettes in straight sets then beat Brownsville Pace later in the day.
Tied at 16 a piece, in Game 1 against the Lionettes, La Feria looked the aggressor and tallied four straight points to extend the lead 20-16. However, the Lady Hawks did what they have been doing all season and went on a 10-4 run to close the game.
“Sometimes we tend to give away too many points in the beginning and we start playing catch-up,” said Harlingen South head coach Jennifer Taliancich. “We are getting very good at it but keep telling them not to get used to that because we need to play strong from the very beginning and that’s what we are working on.
“We are not giving away as many points as we were in previous games so that’s good. Instead of doing the same thing over and over again they are starting to move the ball around the court.”
In its second match of the afternoon, South defeated Brownsville Pace 25-23, 19-25, 25-15. However coach Taliancich and the Lady Hawks had to claw their way back after two early deficits. The wins were a good tuneup for Harlingen South heading into District 32-6A this week.
Another positive for South is that Taliancich believes that the girls are not just fighting for the win, but they are also fighting for each other.
“They’re a very close team and they love each other like sisters,” said Taliancich. “They’re doing it especially for the seniors on the team and doing the best they can for their sisters.”
The Lady Hawks begin district play next Saturday on the road at Brownsville Veterans.
Meanwhile, after losing an early match to Harlingen South, La Feria defeated 5A opponent Brownsville Pace 25-17, 22-25, 25-18.
Although La Feria lost a close game to the Lady Hawks, head coach Rebea Fraga feels good about her team heading into the district stretch.
“I’m excited about district play,” said Fraga. “Today playing against South and Pace, and then finishing up against Edinburg North on Tuesday will help us out. You want to give your athletes the best experience against tougher competition.
“Not only does it help you play better, but it helps you prepare mentally for it when you get to district.”
The Lionettes begin district play against Raymondville next Saturday at home.