MISSION — The Sharyland High Rattlers entered Tuesday’s contest against Sharyland Pioneer needing a win to keep their postseason hopes alive, trailing the McAllen High Bulldogs by one game in the District 31-5A standings.
The Diamondbacks all but mathematically ended the Rattlers’ playoff dreams, cruising past their crosstown rival 25-15, 25-12, 25-19 at the Sharyland Pioneer Gymnasium.
“I thought our girls stepped it up and played really well tonight,” Sharyland Pioneer head coach Laura Cavazos said. “After Saturday we wanted to make sure we bounced back and played our best game. I think we did that today.”
The Diamondbacks were led by senior Natalie Reyes, who set up hitters Jordan Bravo, Lorelai Hill and Mariana Treviño for timely kills throughout the night.
With that, the Rattlers fall to 6-6 in district play, trailing the fourth-place Bulldogs by two games with two contests remaining in the season.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks move to 10-2, tied for first in the district with McAllen Memorial, setting up for a possible championship deciding matchup Tuesday.
Next for the Diamondbacks (33-4, 10-2) is a home contest against PJSA Memorial on Saturday at the Sharyland Pioneer Gymnasium, while the Rattlers (30-13, 7-6) host the Bulldogs (33-6, 8-4) in a must-win contest Saturday at the Sharyland High Gymnasium.