The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Lady Chargers don’t like the idea of being considered underdogs in the District 32-5A volleyball race this season.
Brownsville Veterans has captured 32-5A championships during each of the past two seasons with a 14-0 record each time.
But the Lady Chargers are virtually a new team this season, and as a result, other squads such as Donna High and Edcouch-Elsa appear to be the 32-5A teams to beat.
“At first, I thought the goal of winning another district title might be too much for us after losing so many players (to graduation) as we did from last season,” Lady Chargers coach Lisa Mares said. “But seeing the way the girls are playing now, I think they’re very capable of doing it.
“At the beginning of the season, I told the girls we were going to be considered underdogs (in our district) because of our lack of height and the number of people we lost from last year’s team,” Mares added. “The girls are working hard to do well because they don’t want to be looked at as underdogs. They want to maintain our tradition (of being one of the best teams in 32-5A).
“We’re excited that district has started, and we’re going to keep working hard. These girls really want the district title.”
The Lady Chargers opened 32-5A competition with a 25-19, 25-11, 25-16 win Saturday at Pace. Varsity returnees Pamela Sanchez (15 kills, eight digs, two aces) and Frida Rangel (six kills, four blocks) were among the standouts in the match for Brownsville Veterans.
The Lady Chargers will attempt to improve to 2-0 in district when they play host to Donna High at 7 p.m. today.
The Bravettes opened 32-5A action Saturday with a 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 win at home against Porter.
In other 32-5A openers the same day, E-E defeated Lopez 16-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-17 and Mercedes downed Valley View 25-12, 25-16, 25-14.
DISTRICT PREP
The San Benito Lady Greyhounds have been steadily improving as they draw closer to their District 32-6A opener Sept. 18.
“The girls are becoming more united and more familiar with their strengths and weaknesses (on the court),” Lady Greyhounds coach Ruby Medina said. “They’re learning what they have to do (to win).
“District is coming up, and we’ll see how we do,” Medina added. “I’m very pleased with the performance of the girls (so far). Things are going well. I hope we can continue to improve.
“We play Los Fresnos (at San Benito in a non-district match at noon Saturday), so that will give me an idea (of where we stand).”
Saturday’s match against the Lady Falcons will be the Lady Greyhounds’ final non-district test before they begin 32-6A action Sept. 18 at home against Harlingen High.
Standouts for the Lady Greyhounds thus far during the season include Alysa Naranjo, Devany Castillo, setter Ariel Garcia and liberos Sarah Garcia and Halley Rodriguez.
For the past two seasons, San Benito has advanced to the playoffs along with Rivera, Los Fresnos and Hanna.
32-4A UPDATE
The La Feria Lionettes are chasing a third straight District 32-4A championship.
So far, things are going well for them as they stand 2-0 in district action with victories against Progreso (25-17, 25-14, 25-8) and Port Isabel (25-17, 25-9, 25-15).
“I’m very pleased with our senior leadership and the communication within the team,” veteran La Feria coach Rebea Fraga said. “I expect the players on the team to lean on each other throughout the season, and especially in times of adversity.
“Our record reflects the team leadership and the communication within the squad,” Fraga added.
Hidalgo and Zapata also are 2-0 in 32-4A.
It figures to be a challenging week ahead for the Lionettes as they play at Hidalgo today and travel to Zapata on Saturday.
Key contributors for La Feria have been hitters Sierra Salinas, Natalie Gonzalez and Jenoveva Ortiz. Also contributing to the team’s success are Mary Winton as a blocker and Karina Diaz in assists.
Also in 32-4A, Port Isabel and Grulla are 1-1, and Rio Hondo, Raymondville and Progreso are 0-2.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess