MISSION — The Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks were back to their winning ways in their 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 25-17 win over Edinburg Vela on Tuesday night — the last night of non-district action for most of the Valley’s higher classifications.
Pioneer took early leads in each of its winning sets, but the match was not all smooth sailing for the Diamondbacks.
“District season is for sure going to be a tough one, so getting our kinks out right now, right here, it helps so much,” junior Daniela Alvarez said.
Both teams were slowed by unforced errors at the start of the match. Pioneer, however, was playing better offense, and the Diamondbacks used their blocking to maintain the lead.
“First and foremost, defense wins games,” Alvarez said. “That is our priority. We work on that 24/7 every practice. Being able to have different people that can work with being put in different positions and being able to just have chemistry on the team is really helpful, and it helps us as a team.”
Alvarez, a junior, led her team in blocks with five, while senior Daizy Coronado was right behind her with four.
“Daizy is a senior. She has three years experience,” Alvarez said. “She really has the momentum on the varsity level. She’s been playing middle her whole life, so she really knows what it’s about. Blocking really sets the tone. It speeds up our offense and helps us put the ball down faster.”
Freshman Natalie Reyes was also integral to putting the ball down for the Diamondbacks.
She put up 42 assists and a handful of clever tips to soft spots in the SaberCats formation.
Both teams tried the slick tip shots, but only Pioneer consistently put them home for points.
During the second set, one of Reyes’ tips was met with tons of fanfare with the student section, which chanted, “She’s a freshman!”
“My teammates and our coaches help out a little bit by just watching their defenses,” Reyes said. “We did work hard. We had some little ups and downs. Now, we’re here, and this is what’s going to happen now.”
Edinburg Vela wasn’t going away without a fight. The SaberCats were led by junior Glenys Maldonado, who had 16 kills.
“I’m glad we got to play a team like Pioneer tonight,” Vela coach Araceli Ortega said. “It elevates our game. It sets the tone for what we need to have for district. It was the type of competition we needed.”
Both teams will be playing in new-look districts. Pioneer will stay in 31-5A with some fresh opponents. Vela is in the same situation, remaining in 31-6A but with some new members joining the fray.
“I know the girls are excited about what to expect with this new district,” Ortega said. “Of course, we can go any which way.”