MISSION — The McAllen Rowe Warriors swept the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks 25-21, 25-17, 25-18 on Tuesday at Sharyland Pioneer High School, handing them their first loss in District 31-5A play.
The Diamondbacks and the Warriors entered the contest ranked No. 7 and 23, respectively, in the most recent Texas Girls Association poll.
Despite the lower ranking, it was the Warriors asserting their dominance throughout the match, holding off several Diamondbacks’ comeback attempts during the first two sets, including answering a 5-0 run by Pioneer during the second set with a 7-2 run to come out on top and take a two-set advantage.
The Warriors jumped out to an 18-10 lead during the final set and didn’t look back, hanging on to sweep the Diamondbacks on the road.
“I’m very happy with their performance,” McAllen Rowe head coach Magda Canales said. “As good as the rankings and stats are, kids need to stay focused one game at a time. We have to respect every opponent. We never know what state of mind either team is going to be in. It’s just a battle every time we come to play.”
The Warriors (23-5, 3-1) return to action at noon Saturday, hosting PSJA Southwest at McAllen Rowe High School.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks (26-3, 3-1) prepare for another marquee district matchup, taking on the Sharyland High Rattlers at noon Saturday at Sharyland High School.