By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos and Brownsville Veterans Memorial have emerged as undefeated leaders of their respective volleyball districts at the halfway point of conference competition.
The Lady Falcons and Lady Chargers each hold a two-match lead over the second-place teams in their districts.
Los Fresnos is 7-0 in District 32-6A while Brownsville Veterans also is 7-0 in District 32-5A.
The second round of district in 32-6A and 32-5A begins Tuesday with Los Fresnos at San Benito and Brownsville Veterans at home against Pace.
DISTRICT 32-6A
The Lady Falcons appear to be on their way to successfully defending the 32-6A title.
Lady Falcons coach Becky Woods said it hasn’t been easy thus far in district and she doesn’t expect the rest of the teams in 32-6A to let up.
“Yes, there have been many surprises (in the district race),” Woods said. “I think we were very fortunate to escape with no losses (in the first round). Every team brings their best game when they play us. We cannot let our guard down for one minute against anyone.
“We need to play our ‘A’ game for the second half of district to prepare for the playoffs,” she added. “I feel we are starting to peak defensively and offensively. We need to take each game one at a time.”
After Los Fresnos at 7-0 in 32-6A, it’s Rivera and Hanna at 5-2, San Benito and Harlingen High at 4-3, Weslaco High and Weslaco East at 1-6 and Harlingen South at 0-7.
A key match in 32-6A Tuesday takes place at Rivera as the Lady Raiders play host to Hanna. During the first round of district on Sept. 10, Hanna edged Rivera 25-22, 25-23, 25-20.
The Lady Raiders are trying to make it back to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
“Right now, our defense is getting better every day and so is our offense,” said Stephanie Garza, a junior back row player and outside hitter for the Lady Raiders. “We practice to be prepared for whatever comes our way.”
Added teammate Litzy Medina, a junior outside hitter, “I see a lot of potential with our team. We can go far as long as we stay focused on our goal (of playoffs) and work hard everyday. I’m proud of my team. It’s going to be an exciting season for us. It’s going to be a good year.”
In other 32-6A matches Tuesday, it’s Harlingen South at Harlingen High and Weslaco East at Weslaco High.
DISTRICT 32-5A
After Brownsville Veterans at 7-0 in 32-5A, it’s Edcouch-Elsa at 5-2, Pace and Donna High at 4-3, Lopez at 3-4 and then Porter, Mercedes and Donna North, all at 2-5.
When asked if she was surprised with how the first round went in her district, Brownsville Veterans coach Lisa Mares said, “I sure am. It’s great, but still very nerve-racking.
“I can’t pinpoint (just) one thing (that has been helping us win),” she added. “One day it may be defense, and another day, it’s our offense. There are so many aspects to a volleyball match and so much emotion. Since the beginning, our goal was to be a more consistent team in all aspects. We are getting there, but we’re not there yet. Still, we’re getting there.”
The Lady Chargers start off the second round Tuesday at home against Pace, a surging team that is coming off wins against E-E, Donna High and Lopez.
In other 32-5A action Tuesday, it’s Lopez at Porter, E-E at Donna North and Mercedes at Donna High.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess