SAN ANTONIO — Throughout the entire match, there wasn’t a time that Rouse High School didn’t have at least two girls 6-feet or taller on its front row.
Sometimes, it was like this – 6-feet, 6-1, 6-3 – along with a 6-foot setter.
And while height alone isn’t everything on the volleyball court, that height – along with talent to match – was too much for McAllen Memorial and the Raiders claimed a three-set 25-16, 25-13, 25-20 victory over the Mustangs on Friday. The Raiders will play at noon in Saturday’s Region IV-5A championship against Liberty Hill for a trip to next week’s state tournament.
Overall, the Rouse roster included five players at least 6-feet or taller and another four that stood 5-10. Nara Tanco led all hitters with 14 kills, followed by teammates Kayla Lopez (just 5-foot-6) and Jadyn Willis (6-3) with 12 kills apiece.
Amare Hernandez was able to trim the defensive trees for Memorial, pacing the Mustangs with 11 kills and Madisyn Sosa added seven. Leah Garcia contributed five.
The Raiders were not only towering and talented but they moved lightly and extremely fast.
“They ran a very fast offense, faster than we’ve seen,” McAllen Memorial head coach Ashley Doffing said. “It was all about making adjustments. It was slow adjustments but 20-25 is something to feel proud about.
“It showed the girls wanted to fight. They really came together this year to get us here so I hope they learned a lot of life lesson.”
Playing over the net as high as they were made it difficult for Memorial’s middle hitters and blockers to find effectiveness even though Kaitlyn Martin and Alicia Ziegler each had moments shutting down Raiders hitters. The constant barrage and non-stop attacks were just too much for the Mustangs to overcome.
Rouse and Liberty Hill played twice this year with Rouse winning both matches three sets to one.