By ROY HESS | The Brownsville Herald
If the Lopez Lady Lobos want to stay on track to make the playoffs for the third straight year, Saturday’s District 32-5A volleyball match against Valley View was a must-win situation.
To reach the postseason, the Lady Lobos need to continue winning the district matches they’re supposed to win and maybe pull off a surprise or two against the leaders along the way in the 32-5A race, which has five match dates remaining.
The Lopez girls, fourth place in 32-5A at 5-4, followed their game plan perfectly Saturday and captured an efficient 25-17, 25-17, 25-10 victory at home against the Lady Tigers, who at 0-9 are still searching for their first district win.
If they don’t watch out, the Lady Lobos have two teams behind them in the 32-5A standings that could catch them and maybe edge them for a playoff spot. Those teams are Mercedes (4-5) and Porter (3-6). The 32-5A leader is Edcouch-Elsa (9-0) with Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Donna High tied for second place at 7-2.
The Lady Lobos want to remain within striking distance of 32-5A’s top teams.
“Our girls are playing good and improving every time we play,” Lady Lobos coach Daya Venegas said. “We’ve been practicing hard and taking no days off, and every match they’re getting better. They’re doing well, and they’re excited for the second round (of district).
“The girls are giving their all,” Venegas added. “They have their classes, most of them work, and they (still) come in here to practice and give 100 percent. That’s what is helping us. They’re putting in their time (to this sport and it’s paying off).”
The Lady Lobos got out in front during each game Saturday and stayed there en route to winning with a three-set sweep. A serving ace by Aileen Aguilar that landed just inside the back line gave Lopez its 25-10 win during the third game and brought an end to the match.
Michelle Navarro was a standout at the net for Valley View with her hitting and blocking.
After Saturday, 32-5A teams are two matches into the second round with five more matches to go.
Outside hitters Jennifer Cisneros, a senior, and Aguilar, a junior, are among the standouts for the Lady Lobos. They were active and contributing to the win Saturday in vital ways, such as Aguilar’s ace at the end.
“We’re communicating with each other (on the floor), and that made it a great day for us,” Aguilar said. “I’m really happy with this team that I have to play on. We have some awesome seniors in Jennifer (Cisneros), Amanda (Parra) and Noemi (Gallardo). They’re girls who play really good.”
Added Cisneros, “What I really like about our team is that no matter what is happening outside the court, we come together and play a good game. Every match is important to us. We don’t choose the teams that we go against, we just try to fight hard for the win every time.
“I’m looking forward to us having a good season (during this) my senior year,” she added.
Lopez continues 32-5A action at home Tuesday against Pace. Valley View is at Porter the same night.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess