By KEVIN NARRO
Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — The postseason is here and the Harlingen South Lady Hawks are alive and well.
After Tuesday’s emotional win against Brownsville Hanna, the Lady Hawks savored the moment but were quickly back at work Wednesday.
“We had a great week of practice,” South coach Anissa Lucio said. “We are excited to be in the playoffs, the kids have worked hard and we are taking this playoff run very seriously.”
The Lady Hawks went three-deep the last time they were in the postseason (2011). That year, South beat Brownsville Rivera and upset state-ranked Sharyland High before bowing out to Los Fresnos in the regional quarterfinals.
In Year 2 under Lucio, the team has shown growth, maturity and the ability to finish matches. While the team has grown up before our eyes with just two seniors, seven juniors, four sophomores and two freshmen, the Lady Hawks have built a strong foundation not just for 2018, but for the future.
“We feel we are ready,” Lucio added. “We have accomplished so much this season, and we have gained confidence for not only this year, but for next year as well. We are right where we need to be.”
South sat 1-5 midway though the district season and was still mathematically alive for the playoffs.
After losing to San Benito and Los Fresnos, South found itself in a hole with three games remaining.
The Lady Hawks responded by beating Rivera at home and then went on the road and swept Harlingen High, and then beat Hanna in the regular season finale.
South’s win against Hanna gives the squad plenty of confidence heading into its Class 6A bi-district match against Edinburg High.
The Lady Bobcats drew the No. 1 seed and finished as co-district champions out of District 31-6A.
“We played them earlier in the year, and (Edinburg High is) a tough team,” Lucio said. “Both of us have gotten better since we last played.”
On Tuesday, the Lady Bobcats will enter the friendly confines of Harlingen South, where it is expected to be a packed house, particularly in the student section.
Fans can look at it as a “12th Man” factor, and it is something the Lady Hawks feed off of.
“We have such great support from our students and our administration,” Lucio said. “The student section is great, and it is something the girls look forward to.”