BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
The Donna North volleyball team always starts its warm-up with three laps. The number is a symbol for the Chiefs, coach Diana Alaniz said. The third-year program is hoping to win three sets as many times as possible with the goal of securing a top-three finish in District 32-5A.
“We’re pushing that number three a lot,” Alaniz said. “We really want to be top three this year.”
Coincidentally, Donna North has also leaned primarily on three key players: I’Dasha Sorrell, Nicole Rodriguez and Alexis Olivarez.
Sorrell and Rodriguez, both juniors, have been playing both setter and outside hitter. The two always line up opposite each other in the Chiefs’ rotation, putting one in the front row and one in the back on each point.
“They never come out,” Alaniz said. “We look to them to basically run the offense, and then terminate.”
Olivarez, a senior, has impressed Alaniz with her serving, passing, blocking and leadership. She is one of just three seniors on a roster that also features eight juniors and a sophomore.
The Chiefs pride themselves on consistent serving, a big front line and a quick back row. For the first time, Alaniz believes her team can keep up with the pace of varsity.
“Volleyball is a game of reactions, so the more they play at the varsity level, they’re just better at it,” Alaniz said. “They’re able to read and adjust faster.”
Alaniz looks at Donna North’s first two seasons as building years. The Chiefs went 4-21 (2-14 in district) in 2013 before going 6-28 (1-13 in district) last season. Having already matched last year’s win total, Donna North is looking for much better in 2015.
“We took a lot of bumps and bruises that first year,” Alaniz said. “Then last year was more building. This is our third year, and we’re basically looking at it as no excuses and high expectations as far as making playoffs.”
RISING STAR
Coming back for her sophomore season after winning District 31-6A newcomer of the year in 2014, PSJA Memorial’s Kristi Gomez boasts a much more confident approach, coach Angie Gonzales said.
“She’s very aggressive up front,” Gonzales said. “She’s gotten the pace of the game down.”
Since being called up to the varsity team for the start of district play last season, Gomez has developed in all facets of the game. The middle blocker and outside hitter has proven she can attack from anywhere on the court, play defense in the front or back row and threaten opponents with her jump serve.
“She has a great heart, she has a good work ethic, she has a great attitude, and she’s very athletic,” Gonzales said. “That’s why she’s as good as she is.”
A season after losing a play-in game to come up just shy of the playoffs, PSJA Memorial is meshing as a team, Gonzales said.
The Wolverines, led by returning lettermen Gomez, Carla De Leon, Amanda Aguilera, Kassandra Chapa and Deserey Gomez, have already been exposed to some of the Valley’s top teams in the Mission and Poundfest tournaments.
“That’s definitely going to help us prepare for district,” Gonzales said. “That was the intention.”
TOURNAMENT TIME
Hidalgo High and Sharyland Pioneer are both hosting three-day tournaments beginning today.
The Third Annual Sharyland ISD Volleyball Invitational features 20 teams, including many of the Valley’s best. McAllen High, McAllen Rowe, Sharyland Pioneer, Sharyland High, Los Fresnos and Edinburg North are all competing.
The Hidalgo tournament has a 16-team field.