By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
The 2020 volleyball season was certainly a unique one for East Valley athletes, but that didn’t stop them from putting together impressive performances.
Two East Valley sub-5A squads — the 32-4A La Feria Lionettes and 32-1A San Perlita Lady Trojans — advanced to the third round of the playoffs in their respective classes, and two others reached the second round. Three teams from the tough District 32-6A won bi-district games.
One of those squads was the Brownsville Rivera Lady Raiders, who were undefeated district champions. The Lady Raiders were ranked as high as No. 10 in Class 6A by the Texas Girls Coaches Association after finishing the regular season 13-0.
Kenya Ibarra was a major key to Rivera’s success, and that fact earned her the co-most valuable player award in 32-6A. Richelle Guerra was named the district’s top libero, and Lady Raiders coach Mary Elizabeth Avelar-Guerra was voted coach of the year.
Los Fresnos was the district runner-up, led by co-most valuable player Tate Halford and newcomer of the year Dakota Martinez. Lady Falcons middle blocker Victoria Hernandez was a unanimous choice for the district’s defensive player of the year award.
Harlingen High finished third in the district and advanced to the area round behind solid play from offensive player of the year Juli Bryant. Lady Cardinals setter Destiny Martinez earned setter of the year honors for her efforts running the offense. Harlingen South also advanced to Round 2 of the playoffs as the district’s No. 4 seed, led by first-team honorees Mariana Garcia and Alexa Encinia.
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial Lady Chargers earned another District 32-5A championship trophy, splitting the title with Edcouch-Elsa after winning the district’s Zone B. Sophomore middle blocker Elise Fourt led the way for the Lady Chargers and earned the zone’s most valuable player award.
Brownsville Lopez finished second in the zone and had two players earn district superlatives. Junior Noelia Ruiz was named the libero of the year, and senior Brenda Savariego was the setter of the year. Brownsville Pace’s top players — Ana Cano and Andie Lozano-Lomeli — were named the most valuable offensive player and newcomer of the year, respectively. Brownsville Porter’s Andrea Perez was named the most valuable defensive player.
La Feria and Hidalgo shared the District 32-4A championship, and many athletes in the district shared superlatives. Three players were awarded most valuable player honors — La Feria’s Reanne Fraga, Hidalgo’s Jacqui Garcia and Grulla’s Chloe Zarate.
The defensive player of the year award also honored a trio of athletes in La Feria’s Sabrina Castaneda, Hidalgo’s Ynarra Moya and Rio Hondo’s Alyssa Silguero. Hidalgo’s Priscila Fuentes and Rio Hondo’s Kelsey Pizarro shared the offensive player of the year award. The district champion coaches, La Feria’s Rebea Fraga and Hidalgo’s KayDee Benavidez, were named co-coaches of the year.
Grulla’s Fatima Montes earned newcomer of the year, Pam Espinoza of Hidalgo was the libero of the year and La Feria’s Ayisha Castillo was named setter of the year.
Brownsville Jubilee coach Rebekah Perez was named the coach of the year for leading her team to repeat as District 32-3A champions and advance to the second round. Senior libero Alexis Robinson earned co-most valuable player honors and Julissa Garza was tabbed setter of the year.
Brownsville IDEA Frontier’s Alma Medellin was also a co-most valuable player. Teammate Judith Araujo earned libero of the year honors, and Maria Martinez shared the defensive player of the year recognition with Brownsville IDEA Riverview’s Daniela Reynua. IDEA Riverview also had Lexine Rodriguez honored as the newcomer of the year and Lluvia Arellano named offensive player of the year.
Lyford is the lone East Valley squad in District 31-3A. The Lady Bulldogs finished second in district and advanced to the area round of the playoffs. Sophomore Marlina Perez was named the newcomer of the year, senior Hannah Garza earned libero of the year and junior Emily Gonzalez clinched setter of the year honors.
Santa Maria’s Aleila Cantu was awarded District 32-2A co-newcomer of the year honors, and Natalie Gonzalez was the co-libero of the year with La Villa’s Rachel Ramirez. La Villa also saw Yesenia Garcia recognized as the offensive player of the year.
In District 32-1A, San Perlita had Jasmine Rodriguez chosen as the offensive player of the year and Aliyah Garcia named the defensive player of the year. Lasara freshman Emily Marceleno earned newcomer of the year honors.
District 32-6A
Co-Most valuable player
Tate Halford, Los Fresnos
Kenya Ibarra, Brownsville Rivera
Setter of the year
Destiny Martinez, Harlingen High
Libero of the year
Richelle Guerra, Brownsville Rivera
Offensive player of the year
Juliana Bryant, Harlingen High
Defensive player of the year
Victoria Hernandez, Los Fresnos (unanimous)
Newcomer of the year
Dakota Martinez, Los Fresnos
Coach of the year
Mary Elizabeth Avelar-Guerra, Brownsville Rivera
First Team
Aliyah Castillo, Brownsville Hanna (unanimous); Jenna Otero, Brownsville Hanna; Christina Garza, Brownsville Rivera (unanimous); Alondra Guzman, Brownsville Rivera; Elena Aguinaga, Harlingen High (unanimous); Alexa Encinia, Harlingen South (unanimous); Mariana Garcia, Harlingen South; Mia Brown, Los Fresnos; Yahaira Perez, San Benito (unanimous); Zoe Bentancourt, San Benito; Kimi Espinoza, Weslaco High
Second Team
Rianna Trevino, Brownsville Hanna; Laisha Izaguirre, Brownsville Rivera; Gabriella Aviles, Donna North; Damaris Regalado, Donna North; Alyssa Aleman, Harlingen High; Casey Vidal, Harlingen High; Patricia Garza, Harlingen South; Caydence Castillo, Los Fresnos; Briana Castillo, San Benito; Katia Reyes, Weslaco High
Honorable Mention
Camille Atkinson, Brownsville Hanna; Alexia Longoria, Brownsville Hanna; Litzy Gonzalez, Brownsville Hanna; Clarissa Olivarez, Brownsville Rivera; Alondra Garza, Brownsville Rivera; Ashlyn Tapia, Brownsville Rivera; Darlyng Longoria, Brownsville Rivera; Adamaris Lopez, Donna North; Alexis Hernandez, Donna North; Cassandra Gomez, Donna North; Esly Diaz, Donna North; Alexa Gonzalez, Harlingen High; Alexus Ybarra, Harlingen High; Yessica Mendoza, Harlingen High; Liaida De Jesus, Harlingen South; Andrea Grant, Harlingen South; Korynne Reininger, Harlingen South; Kylie Fonseca, Harlingen South; Eleyne Rios, Los Fresnos; Alexia Rodriguez, Los Fresnos; Jennica Leal, Los Fresnos; Olivia Parra, Los Fresnos; Clarissa Arriaga, Los Fresnos; Arely Agado, San Benito; Cidney Castillo, San Benito; Mackenzie Medina, San Benito; Jaeda Moreno, Weslaco High; Aracely Moreno, Weslaco High; Mia Ferrer, Weslaco High
District 32-5A Zone B
Most valuable player
Elise Fourt, So, MB, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Most valuable offensive player
Ana Cano, Sr, RS/S, Brownsville Pace
Most valuable defensive player
Andrea Perez, Jr, RS/S, Brownsville Porter
Newcomer of the year
Andie Lozano-Lomeli, Fr, MB, Brownsville Pace
Libero of the year
Noelia Ruiz, Jr, Brownsville Lopez
Setter of the year
Brenda Savariego, Sr, Brownsville Lopez
First Team
Daniella Espinosa, Sr, S, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Sarah Gomez, Sr, L, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Valeria Sumaya, Sr, OH, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Azaneth Perez, Sr, OH, Brownsville Porter; Katherin Rodriguez, Sr, MB, Brownsville Lopez
Second Team
Kladys Sandoval, Sr, OH, Brownsville Porter; Cielo Chapa, Jr, OH, Brownsville Lopez; Jexandy Perez, Jr, L, Brownsville Pace; Dylan Lozano-Lomeli, So, S, Brownsville Pace
Honorable Mention
Carrington Lane, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Kassandra Garcia, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Liberty Garza, Brownsville Porter; Anett Annie Luna, Brownsville Porter; Kayla Aguilar, Brownsville Lopez; Alejandra Carbajal, Brownsville Lopez; Ashley Gonzalez, Brownsville Pace; Natalisha Torres, Brownsville Pace
All-Academic Team
Aaliyah Calzada, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Angelica Gonzalez, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Daniella Espinosa, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Kimberly Lopez, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Valeria Sumaya, Brownsville Veterans Memorial; Aaliyah Prater, Brownsville Porter; Anahi Villarreal, Brownsville Porter; Alexis Rodriguez, Brownsville Porter; Anett Annie Luna, Brownsville Porter; Azaneth Perez, Brownsville Porter; Ivanna Cortez, Brownsville Porter; Brenda Savariego, Brownsville Lopez; Katherin Rodriguez, Brownsville Lopez; Sandra Rodriguez, Brownsville Lopez
District 32-4A
Tri-Most valuable player
Reanne Fraga, Sr, La Feria
Jacqui Garcia, Sr, Hidalgo
Chloe Zarate, Sr, Rio Grande City Grulla
Newcomer of the year
Fatima Montes, Fr, Rio Grande City Grulla
Co-Offensive player of the year
Priscila Fuentes, Hidalgo
Kelsey Pizarro, Sr, Rio Hondo
Tri-Defensive player of the year
Sabrina Castaneda, Sr, La Feria
Ynarra Moya, Sr, Hidalgo
Alyssa Silguero, Jr, Rio Hondo
Libero of the year
Pam Espinoza, Sr, Hidalgo
Setter of the year
Ayisha Castillo, Sr, La Feria
Co-Coach of the year
KayDee Benavidez, Hidalgo
Rebea Fraga, La Feria
First Team
Cladette Canales, Sr, Rio Grande City Grulla; Alayssa Jimenez, Hidalgo (unanimous); Joselyn Fonseca, Hidalgo; Sophia Cabrera, Sr, La Feria; Alani Garza, Jr, La Feria; Samantha Chapa, Sr, Port Isabel; Miranda Hernandez, Raymondville; Alexis Rhyner, Jr, Rio Hondo
Second Team
Annette Trevino, Sr, Rio Grande City Grulla; Demziel Ozuna, Sr, Rio Grande City Grulla; LeeAn Mancha, Hidalgo; Angelina Trevino, Jr, La Feria; Karina Martinez, Sr, Port Isabel; Whitney Zaloski, Sr, Port Isabel; Mallorie Martinez, Raymondville; Jalyssa Sauceda, Jr, Rio Hondo; Faith Silguero, Sr, Rio Hondo
Honorable Mention
Aleynie Martinez, So, Rio Grande City Grulla; Jennifer Gonzalez, So, Rio Grande City Grulla; Kiarabel Garza, So, Rio Grande City Grulla; Dayani Lopez, So, Rio Grande City Grulla; Kaitlynn Jimenez, So, Rio Grande City Grulla; Chanaya Gonzalez, Sr, Rio Grande City Grulla; Clarissa Lara, Hidalgo; Ketzalee Gonzalez, Hidalgo; Danya Negrete, Hidalgo; Yazlin Flores, Hidalgo; Samantha Ayla, Hidalgo; Allison Rosalez, Jr, La Feria; Caroline Baker, Sr, La Feria; Allison Gonzalez, Sr, Port Isabel; Alanna Zermeno, Port Isabel; Madison Ramos, Port Isabel; Gisell Borjas, Port Isabel; Celina Marchan, Port Isabel; Selena Cab, Port Isabel; Aliyah Cantu, Jr, Raymondville; Marlyssa Mendez, Raymondville; Keighara Leija, Raymondville; Za Leah Gardner, Raymondville; Adriana Sanchez, Raymondville; Jollie Dominguez, Raymondville; Tea Anderson, Raymondville; Klarissa Cruz, Raymondville; Mia Sayas, Raymondville; Savana Gonzalez, Sr, Rio Hondo; Mia Zuniga, Rio Hondo; Celeen Lopez, So, Rio Hondo; Julie Delbosque, Rio Hondo; Dominque De Jesus, Rio Hondo, Emma Serna, Rio Hondo
District 32-3A
Co-Most valuable player
Alma Medellin, Sr, IDEA Frontier
Alexis Robinson, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee
Newcomer of the year
Lexine Rodriguez, Fr, IDEA Riverview
Libero of the year
Judith Araujo, Jr, IDEA Frontier
Setter of the year
Julissa Garza, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee
Offensive player of the year
Lluvia Arellano, Jr, IDEA Riverview
Co-Defensive player of the year
Maria Martinez, Sr, IDEA Frontier
Daniela Reynua, Jr, IDEA Riverview
Coach of the year
Rebekah Perez, Brownsville Jubilee
First Team
Alondra Garcia, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee; Jazmine Gracia, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee; Daniela Bannak, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee; Brandy Anaya, Sr, Santa Rosa; Sarah Sanchez, Sr, Santa Rosa; Isabella Llamas, So, IDEA Riverview
Second Team
Leslie Barrera, Sr, Brownsville Jubilee; Kathrin Vasquez, Jr, Brownsville Jubilee; Marissa Gonzales, Sr, IDEA Frontier; Aracely Medellin, Jr, IDEA Frontier; Jocelyn Mata, Sr, Santa Rosa; Aliah Garcia, Jr, Santa Rosa; Paloma Medellin, Jr, IDEA Riverview
Honorable Mention
Alessandra Olvera, So, IDEA Riverview; Ariadna Jimenez, Jr, IDEA Riverview; Laisha Lezama, Jr, IDEA Riverview; Janell Pruneda, Jr, Brownsville Harmony; Jaynell Wallace, Sr, Brownsville Harmony; Sophia Hernandez, Jr, Brownsville Harmony; Reginna Navarro, Jr, Brownsville Harmony; Samyra Sanchez, Jr, Brownsville Harmony; Amelia Salazar, So, Brownsville Harmony; Debani Ramirez, Fr, Brownsville Harmony; Anita Monroy, Jr, Santa Rosa; Katyln Montemayor, Sr, Santa Rosa; Jasmine Rodriguez, So, Santa Rosa; Delyla Ibarra, Sr, IDEA Frontier; Anallely Garcia, So, IDEA Frontier; Brittany Rico, So, IDEA Frontier; Mariahelga Garcia, Jr, Brownsville Jubilee; Mariana Cantu, Fr, Brownsville Jubilee; Esther Lara, Fr, Brownsville Jubilee; Lorena Arguello, Fr, Brownsville Jubilee
District 31-3A
Most valuable player
Ocirema Leal, Pharr Vanguard
Newcomer of the year
Marlina Perez, So, Lyford
Tri-Libero of the year
Hannah Garza, Sr, Lyford
Zoe De Leon, IDEA Donna
Julissa Longoria, Monte Alto
Setter of the year
Emily Gonzalez, Jr, Lyford
Co-Offensive player of the year
Fatima Vasquez, Pharr Vanguard
Patty Gaytan, IDEA Weslaco Pike
Defensive player of the year
Chloe De La Rosa, Pharr Vanguard
Coach of the year
David Guzman, Pharr Vanguard
First Team
Clarisa Gonzalez, Sr, Lyford; Haley Rodriguez, Sr, Lyford; Sabrie Romo, Sr, Lyford; Dalilah Hernandez, Pharr Vanguard; Mia Cantu, Pharr Vanguard; Jennifer Jasso, Monte Alto; Alexa Beltran, IDEA North Mission; Frida Alvarez, IDEA Edinburg; Raemee Garcia, IDEA Weslaco Pike; Maritza Welton, IDEA Donna; Maria Clara Salinas, IDEA Donna
Second Team
Samantha Cavazos, Pharr Vanguard; Natalie Garcia, Edinburg Vanguard; Katelynn Arredondo, IDEA North Mission; Karla Pedraza, IDEA Pharr; Madelynn Garza, IDEA Pharr; Rachel Medrano, Monte Alto
Honorable Mention
Miranda Moya, Sr, Lyford; Damaris Bermudez, Jr, Lyford; Leslie Gamboa, IDEA Weslaco Pike; Sydnee Mendoza, IDEA Weslaco Pike; Elva Rodriguez, IDEA Pharr; Jessica Rodriguez, IDEA Pharr; Crystal Vasquez, Monte Alto; Jocelyn Diaz, Monte Alto; Jesslyn Perez, Edinburg Vanguard; Joselynn Madeira, Edinburg Vanguard; Kayleigh Flores, IDEA Edinburg; Jackie Diaz, IDEA Quest; Kayla Garza, IDEA Quest; Lydia Torres, IDEA Donna; Janelle Hinojosa, Pharr Vanguard
All-Academic Team
Emily Gonzalez, Lyford; Damaris Bermudez, Lyford; Alyssa Garcia, Lyford; Railey Rincones, Lyford; Crystal Vasquez, Monte Alto; Jocelyn Diaz, Monte Alto; Lydia Torres, IDEA Donna; Zoe DeLeon, IDEA Donna; Maria Clara Salinas, IDEA Donna; Aime Banca, IDEA Donna
District 32-2A
Most valuable player
Andrea Cantu, So, Premont
Offensive player of the year
Yesenia Garcia, Sr, La Villa
Defensive player of the year
Loren Tabor, Jr, Riviera
Setter of the year
Allison Alegria, Sr, Riviera
Co-Libero of the year
Natalie Gonzalez, Sr, Santa Maria
Rachel Ramirez, Sr, La Villa
Co-Newcomer of the year
Samantha Barker, Fr, Riviera
Aleila Cantu, So, Santa Maria
Coach of the year
Velma Marin, Premont
First Team
Marina Villarreal, So, Premont; Ariela Mata, Sr, Premont; Stephanie Garza, Sr, Premont; Jozlyn Lerma, Sr, Riviera; Joslynn Contreras, Sr, La Villa; Indra Bernal, So, La Villa; Keilani Ruelas, Jr, Santa Maria; Adria Loya, Sr, Santa Maria
Second Team
Sabrina Garcia, Sr, Premont; Jenna Menchaca, Sr, Premont; Tiffany Moreno, Sr, Premont; Daesha Jordan, Sr, Riviera; DeAndra Jordan, So, Riviera; Jesselen Tijerina, Sr, La Villa; Filanicas Zavala, Sr, Santa Maria
Honorable Mention
Hanna Lozano, So, Premont; Jessica Bocanegra, Sr, Premont; Destiny Gallardo, Jr, Riviera; Miranda Felix, Jr, La Villa; Emily Flores, Jr, Santa Maria
Academic All-District
Jenna Menchaca, Sr, Premont; Hanna Lozano, Premont; Tiffany Moreno, Sr, Premont; Loren Tabor, Jr, Riviera; Vanessa Pina, Jr, Riviera; Yesenia Garcia, Sr, La Villa; Raquel Ramirez, Sr, La Villa; Jo Elda Lopez, So, La Villa; Miah Contreras, Sr, La Villa; Nevaeh Rodriguez, Jr, La Villa; Brittany Garza, Sr, La Villa; Miranda Felix, Jr, La Villa; Yaretzy Gomez, So, La Villa; Clara Briones, Santa Maria; Filanicas Zavala, Sr, Santa Maria
District 32-1A
Most valuable player
Mia Alvarado, Jr, San Isidro
Offensive player of the year
Jasmine Rodriguez, Jr, San Perlita
Defensive player of the year
Aliyah Garcia, Jr, San Perlita
Setter of the year
Nicole Delgado, Jr, San Isidro
Libero of the year
Emma Garcia, Jr, San Isidro
Newcomer of the year
Emily Marceleno, Fr, Lasara
Coach of the year
Elva Smith, San Isidro
First Team
Karina Perez, Sr, San Isidro; Roma Elizondo, So, San Isidro; Alex Garcia, So, San Isidro; Daniella Ramos, So, San Perlita; Elyssa Nieto, Jr, San Perlita; Perla Moreno, Sr, San Perlita; Kathrynn Canales, Sr, Bruni; Nallely Gonzalez, Sr, Bruni; Madison Black, Jr, Bruni; Janelle Tamez, Sr, Lasara
Second Team
Fatima Perez, So, San Isidro; Julyssa DeLuna, Sr, San Perlita; Aracelly Nieto, Sr, San Perlita; Lorena Laurel, So, Bruni; Emily Martinez, Sr, Bruni; Caitlyn Jackson, Fr, Bruni; Aislinn Ortiz, So, Lasara; Madeline Gonzalez, Fr, Lasara
Honorable Mention
Corina Ponce, Sr, San Isidro; Silvia Perez, Fr, San Isidro; Bella Rodriguez, So, San Perlita; Lauren Salinas, So, Lasara; Crystal Contreras, So, Lasara; Mariela Gutierrez, Fr, Lasara
Academic All-District
Alex Garcia, So, San Isidro; Roma Elizondo, So, San Isidro; Fatima Perez, So, San Isidro; Nicole Delgado, Jr, San Isidro; Mia Alvarado, Jr, San Isidro; Emma Garcia, Jr, San Isidro; Karina Perez, Sr, San Isidro; Corina Ponce, Sr, San Isidro; Arabella Rodriguez, So, San Perlita; Aliyah Garcia, Jr, San Perlita; Jasmine Rodriguez, Jr, San Perlita; Yazmine Rincon, San Perlita; Kathrynn Canales, Sr, Bruni; Janelle Tamez, Sr, Lasara; Madeline Gonzalez, Fr, Lasara