It’s only fitting that it’s McAllen High versus McAllen Memorial at 6 p.m. today.
It’s arguably the top two programs in the Valley over the past decade – or longer – and the last remaining Valley teams standing in the UIL high school volleyball playoffs.
Last year, the Bulldogs and Mustangs both punched their tickets to the Class 6A regional tournament in San Antonio, before their seasons came to a close in the regional semifinals.
This year, only one will make it as the crosstown rivals face off for a third time this season at 6 p.m. today at McAllen High School in the regional quarterfinals. The winner advances to the Sweet 16. For Memorial, it would be its sixth straight appearance in Sweet 16. For the Bulldogs, it would mark their second straight trip and fourth since 2014 to advance to the fourth round.
It’s not the first time this has happened, however.
The rivals met in this same round during the 1992 season, with the winner moving on to the Sweet 16. McHi won that match, also played in its home gym.
The teams split their two matches this year, both winning at home. McHi, however, had to forfeit four matches due to playing an ineligible player. One of those forfeits was the Bulldogs’ victory. Memorial ended the regular season, with the benefit of McHi’s forfeit, at 14-0 (now 16-0) in District 31-5A and district champions. McHi finished the regular season at 8-6 (now 10-6) and clinched the fourth seed in the district.
All four district postseason teams — McAllen High, McAllen Memorial, McAllen Rowe and Sharyland Pioneer — defeated their District 32-5A opponent in the bi-district round. Tuesday, Memorial beat Gregory-Portland in 70 minutes, while McHi defeated Corpus-Christi Veterans in an intense five-set match.
Memorial second-year head coach Ashley Doffing said the fact that two teams from McAllen are advancing may open the eyes of the rest of the state, especially considering both programs had played in 6A the previous years.
“I think it’s great moving to 5A, where Valley teams haven’t gotten this far, so there’s not as much respect from the rest of the state,” Doffing said. “The fact that both McAllen schools took down some Corpus teams shows that we are the same caliber and maybe they’ll start considering playing us in the preseason.”
The winner will play the winner of two teams, also in the same district, as Alamo Heights plays Dripping Springs. Unlike past years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament has made some changes that the next round’s time, day and site have yet to be determined.
“This season is showing all the hard work the girls do year round,” Doffing said. “I’m excited for the girls and excited just to get a season and go from one day to the next.”