KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats are back in the playoffs. Rio Hondo will meet Sinton in a rematch from last year’s bi-district matchup. The Lady Cats will play Monday at 8 p.m. at King High school in Kingsville.
Last year the Lady Cats made the playoffs but bowed out in the bi-district round against Sinton. This year is a little bit different.
Rio Hondo is under first year head coach Lizzette Esparza and under her watch; the young group of Lady Cats have been playing their best volleyball of the season.
“In the beginning of the season, we had our questions,” Esparza said. “We had a little bit of everything but we took care of one problem at a time and we ironed out things on the court and we moved the right pieces in play and we started winning games.”
Rio Hondo finished the district season (7-7) and clinched a playoff berth with Grulla losing on the final day of the regular season, avoiding any type of play in game scenario.
“We did what we could to make the playoffs and we are here. I expected to make the playoffs. That was the high expectations I set at the beginning of the season,” Esparza said. “I know what the girls are capable of I see the athletes we have and they have it in them. There is no fear, they are energetic and they are ready to play and sometimes that is what it takes in an athlete.”
Senior setter Amber Gonzalez is one member returning to the playoffs for a second straight year.
“This means a lot to us, especially as a senior,” Gonzalez said. “Even though we lost to La Feria, we knew we still made the playoffs and we were ready to get to work. Overall we have seen the younger girls step up and make plays and as a senior we motivate them each day to get better.”
Fellow senior Taylor Gomez has had a key hand in the Lady Cats postseason run. Gomez who plays middle blocker, was moved to play the outside midway through the season.
“At first it was difficult moving to the outside, but I was able to adjust and I had to get used to hitting from the outside,” Gomez said. “The move really worked and it helped our team. As far as our match goes on Monday, I have been there before and I have an idea on what Sinton presents.”
In the second round of league play, the Lady Cats caught fire and won five straight matches. Along the way Rio Hondo upset Zapata then went on to beat Port Isabel, Raymondville, Grulla and Progreso.
Rio Hondo saw their win streak snapped with a loss against La Feria in the regular season finale. “We started communicating more,” Gomez said. “We got closer as a team and everything started to click for us.”