By ROY HESS
Staff Writer
The Los Fresnos volleyball team figures to become the first one from District 32-6A to clinch a playoff spot this week.
Yet, the Lady Falcons want so much more.
With five matches remaining on the district schedule, Los Fresnos leads 32-6A with a 9-0 record followed by Rivera (7-2), Hanna (6-3), Harlingen High (5-4), San Benito (5-4), Weslaco East (2-7), Weslaco High (1-8) and Harlingen South (0-9).
Depending upon results of Tuesday’s other district matches, the Lady Falcons could secure a playoff berth that night when they play at home against Weslaco East. If it doesn’t happen then, Los Fresnos could clinch a postseason spot at Hanna on Saturday.
For the 32-6A defending champion Lady Falcons, it’s all part of an overall plan.
“We have set three goals,” Los Fresnos coach Becky Woods said. “No. 1, (to be) district champs; No. 2, an undefeated district season; and No. 3, to reach the third round of the playoffs or go beyond.
“It has to be in that order,” Woods added. “You see we can be district champs without having an undefeated (32-6A) season, so this is what we have our sights set on. It should be an exciting finish.”
The Lady Falcons (21-13 overall) have won nine straight matches since last losing Sept. 3 at home against McAllen Memorial.
“Things are really clicking for us now,” Woods said. “We have the lineup down with the substitutions going in and out smoothly. With five district matches to go, we have to play to our fullest potential now to prepare for the postseason.”
In other 32-6A matches Tuesday, it’s San Benito at Rivera, Hanna at Harlingen South and Harlingen High at Weslaco High.
32-5A SCENARIO
In District 32-5A. Brownsville Veterans Memorial is in much the same situation as Los Fresnos. A playoff berth appears close at hand this week for the Lady Chargers as well.
Brownsville Veterans (24-12 overall) leads the district with a 9-0 record ahead of Edcouch-Elsa (7-2), Pace (5-4), Donna High (5-4), Lopez (4-5), Mercedes (3-6), Porter (2-7) and Donna North (2-7). Five district dates remain in the regular season.
The Lady Chargers play host to E-E on Tuesday while the rest of the 32-5A schedule that night has Mercedes at Pace, Lopez at Donna High and Porter at Donna North.
“After first place it gets kind of crazy in this district,” said Pace coach Gavin Rudder, whose team is coming off Saturday’s 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 14-25, 15-12 triumph at home against Porter. “Veterans would have to basically forfeit the rest of the season in order to give anyone else a chance (at first place). The rest of this district — second through fourth place (for the playoffs) — is wide open. Actually, through eighth place, really, because you never know who is going to show up to do what one day and maybe not do as well another day.
“We’ve finally found a rotation that’s working for us and getting everyone in the correct position they need to be in to give us the best opportunity to be successful,” Rudder added. “Our defense has been the main core of our team this year. My back row is comprised of all seniors, and they just take care of the floor. Our hitting is starting to come around, too. We’re starting to see the court better (when attempting kills).”
The Lady Vikings have won four of their last five matches and Tuesday will seek to avenge a first-round, five-game loss at Mercedes on Sept. 17.
“You never know who’s going to show up (and win) in this district,” Rudder said.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess