DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

Both La Feria and Raymondville ruled the course earlier this week at the District 32-4A golf tournament in Pharr and are now sending several athletes to regionals.

At La Feria, Isabel Prado, who recently committed to play golf at Marymount University in California, captured the girls individual championship.

Meanwhile, with Prado leading the way, the girls team was the district runner-up and also secured a berth in the Region IV-4A tournament, which is set for April 24-25 at Oso Golf Course in Corpus Christi.

On the boys side, Andy Cortez also punched his ticket to regionals by finishing in second place. The boys 4A tournament is also set for April 24-25 in Corpus, but will be played at Lozano Golf Course.

As for Raymondville, the boys team, comprised of James Alfaro, Jonathan Cardona, Richard Ramirez, Ramiro Colchado and Daniel Gutierrez, captured its fourth consecutive district title.

The team is now headed to Corpus in hopes of qualifying for the UIL Class 4A state tournament, which is set for May 15-16 at Slick Rock Golf Course in Marble Falls.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENT: The District 32-6A tournament is set for Monday and Tuesday at Tony Butler Golf Course in Harlingen.

Last season, Brownsville Hanna dominated by winning both the boys and girls team titles.

Julie Lucio, who returns as a junior this year, led the way for the Hanna girls by winning the individual championship, while Santiago Garcia, who is also now a junior, won the boys individual title.

Standing in the way of a possible Hanna repeat, however, is the Harlingen High boys squad.

Last season, the Cards came in second behind the Eagles by just four strokes.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

To say that the La Feria tennis program is a dynasty may be a bit of an understatement.

The boys team has won the district championship every year since 2000 and the girls team has done the same every year since 1997.

Today the Lions will look to continue their unprecedented success at the District 32-4A meet at Zapata High School. The varsity preliminary rounds begin this morning and the finals are set for Saturday.

Despite the Lions’ incredible conference win streak, longtime head coach Juan Hernandez remains cautiously optimistic about his team’s chances.

“This year might be tough, especially in the boys division,” he said. “Zapata has been playing very well this year in both boys and girls, and we know they are coming for us.”

Carlos Gamboa, the No. 1 seed in boys singles, is expected to lead the way for the Lions this weekend. Gamboa, a senior, is a three-time regional qualifier who narrowly missed out on going to state last year.

“This could be his year,” Hernandez said of Gamboa. “He’s the defending league champ and he’s determined to make it though to state in his senior season.”

On the girls’ side, the doubles team of Violet Gamboa and Ashley Avalos is expected to make waves. The duo has had quite the season, winning the McAllen Tournament and finishing second in the Laredo Border Olympics, the Kingsville Tournament and the La Feria Tournament last week.

“At our own event, they lost but it was against a very talented Class 5A Roma team, so it was a good experience,” Hernandez said.

The Region IV-4A tournament is set for April 18 and 19 at the H-E-B Tennis Center in Corpus Christi.

CARDS SET FOR DISTRICT: At the La Feria Tournament last week, Harlingen High’s mixed doubles team of David Gracia and Kaitlynn Jones took home gold. It was the team’s fifth win of the season.

Now the team and the rest of the Cardinals program has its sights set on the District 32-6A tournament, which is set for next Thursday and Friday at Weslaco East High School.

Head coach Jay Tanamachi said Gracia and Jones are the No. 1 seed entering the league tourney.

“(Harlingen) South has a really strong brother-sister team that is seeded second, so it will be a tough match if we end up playing each other,” he said. “We were able to beat them in the Harlingen Tournament finals in January, but it went three sets.”

In girls singles, Skylar Snell will be seeded second as will the boys doubles team of Alec Macmanus and Jacob Canales. Meanwhile, the girls doubles team of Kate Scaief and Addie Flores will be the No. 3 seed.

The Region IV-6A tournament is set for April 18 and 19 at the McFarland Tennis Center is San Antonio.

FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

While other districts may already be nearing the halfway point in their respective seasons, the Lyford Bulldogs and District 32-3A are eager to get theirs started.

Especially for first-year Lyford head baseball coach Christian Cervantes, who has underlined the district title as one of the team’s main objective this season. The Lyford baseball program has not won a league crown since 1995.

“We had a tough loss to Falfurrias on Tuesday, which I think refocused the kids mentally,” said Cervantes. “The kids are excited and we want to compete for the district championship, which the kids made it one of our goals.

“A lot of the seniors this season have been at the varsity level since their freshman year and they want to leave their mark on the program.”

Another objective the team has set its sights on is making a postseason push further than just the first round. And despite the 15-4 non-district loss to Falfurrias, the game served as a test to the type of competition the team might face in the bi-district round.

“We as a team needed that refocus because in the end it’s about getting ready for the playoffs,” said Cervantes. “It’s not about non-district and it’s not about tournaments anymore. It’s about focusing on what is our goal.

“Is our goal to just make the playoffs or is our goal about getting to that second round of the playoffs? After that loss to Falfurrias the group is now itching to get to that second round, but in order to do that we’re going to have go through one of those teams – the Banquetes, the Bishops, the Falfurriases, the Corpus Christi Londons or Santa Gertudises.”

The Bulldogs begin their district season on Friday against Monte Alto at home at 7:30 p.m.

THE 32-6A BLUES: After starting the 2017 district season 3-0 with wins over Harlingen South (4-3), Brownsville Rivera (10-1) and Weslaco High (12-1), the Harlingen Cardinals have since hit a few bumps in the road on their quest for a conference title.

After allowing just five runs in their first three games, the team has gone 1-2 and yielded 29 total runs in its past three games against Weslaco East, Los Fresnos and Brownsville Hanna.

However, despite the recent struggles the team is still 4-2 in league action and just one game behind leader Brownsville Hanna, which is 5-1.

Alongside Harlingen at 4-2 are the Los Fresnos Falcons and the Weslaco Panthers. Just below are the Harlingen South Hawks, the Weslaco East Wildcats and the Brownsville Rivera Raiders, which are all tied with records of 2-4. San Benito sits alone at 1-5.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

With the District 32-4A track & field meet just a week away, the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons proved this past weekend at the Weslaco Meet of Champions that they may be the team to beat.

Led by strong performances in the 400-meter dash, the 4×400 relay, the 4×200 relay and the pole vault event, the Lady Tarpons finished in fourth place at Bobby Lackey Stadium on Saturday.

In the 400, Natalie Garza won gold with a time of 57.79, which is a season best. Also, Ava Gomez finished in fourth place with a personal best time of 1:00.68.

Garza and Gomez were also part of the 4×400 relay team, which also grabbed gold with a time of 4:04.51. Garza and Gomez were joined by Brisia Gonzalez and Simone Harry.

The Lady Tarps are scheduled to run in Friday’s Albert Tijerina Relays in Raymondville. The District 32-4A meet is set for April 8 and 10 in Grulla.

SOLID SEVENTH: The Harlingen South Hawks may not have been looking to win at this past weekend’s Meet of Champions, but thanks to a solid outing by the team’s field event athletes, the Hawks tied for seventh place along with McAllen Memorial.

Adrian Morales won the high jump event with a leap of 6-04 while Marcus Ramirez took first in the pole vault with a personal best of 15-06.

Meanwhile, Abel Villarreal and Sky Tatum finished second and third in the discus with throws of 156-01 and 147-10, respectively. Teammate Christian Cortez, meanwhile, came in fourth place with a toss of 142-06.

“Our field event guys have been the heart and soul of our team this year, so I’m happy with how we did this past weekend,” said Hawks head coach Ralph De La Rosa.

The bulk of the team will compete this weekend in the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets Relays, however, Villarreal along with shot putters Chase Harrell and Andrew Ott will compete in the Texas Relays in Austin.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE: While the San Benito Lady Greyhounds may not have done as well as they would have liked at the Meet of Champions, finishing in 12th place with a score of 16 points, head coach Axel Valle was still pleased with some individual performances.

In the 200-meter dash, Alejandra Bernal won silver with a time of 26.84, and the 4×400 relay team of Bernal, Crystal Ibarra, Desirae Saucedo and Angie Valle finished fourth with a time of 4:08.40.

“I am happy with the athletes who did advance to the finals (on Saturday). It was expected of them,” said Coach Valle. “I just keep trying to encourage the rest of the team to step up to the challenge and compete more intensely so they can contribute to the overall points.

I was a little disappointed that some individuals didn’t advance to the finals in their events, but every meet is a learning experience.”

The Lady ’Hounds will compete at the Raymondville Relays this weekend before next week’s District 32-6A meet, which is set for April 6 and 8 in Weslaco.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

With the District 32-6A tournament only a couple of weeks away, the San Benito Lady Greyhounds tennis team is beginning to come into its own.

Senior Derrick Layton has won three varsity tournaments this season, including the Kingsville Spring Roundup, which involved a bevy of teams from the Corpus Christi area. Layton is competing in the Laredo United Spring Invitational this weekend.

Junior Carol Carrizales, meanwhile, has been a consistent force on the court and won the Kingsville Spring Roundup earlier this year.

Finally, sophomore Molina Pena has won a couple of junior varsity events, including the Laredo Border Olympics and the Kingsville Spring Roundup.

BIG WEEK FOR BIG RED: The Harlingen High mixed doubles team of David Gracia and Kaitlynn Jones spent their Spring Break weekend picking up gold medals at the Dominion Tournament in San Antonio.

It was the duo’s fourth tournament win of the season as they also had first-place victories at the South Texas Tennis Coaches Association Tournament, the Harlingen Varsity Tournament and the Laredo Border Olympics.

Their overall record now is 23-1.

Individually, Gracia won the singles title at the Brownsville Invitational in February where Jones took home a second-place singles finish.

Meanwhile, the boys doubles team of Alec Macmanus and Jacob Canales has also had a stellar season and took home gold in the Dominion Tournament last week. It was their second win of the season as they also won at the Brownsville Invitational.

Finally, Mike Canales has done well this season despite being a freshman. This past week he advanced to the semifinals at the Dominion Tournament and earlier in the year he placed fourth in the Corpus Christi Battle of the Bay event.

Up next for the Cards is a tournament in La Feria beginning today. However, Harlingen head coach Jay Tanamachi said Macmanus and Canales are sitting out the event in order to concentrate on their grades.

“Macmanus is currently No. 1 in his class and we want to make sure he graduates valedictorian like his brother did two years ago,” Tanamachi said.

IT’S KEEN TO BE GREEN: As usual, the Harlingen South tennis program looks to be the team to beat in the upcoming District 32-6A tournament, which is set for April 6-7 in Weslaco.

And the Hawks are riding a wave of success heading into the event led by the girls doubles team of Jessie Alfaro and Thiffany Yeupell.

Recently, the duo reached the semifinals at the Spring Branch Tournament in Houston a couple of weeks ago.

“They played well and should be one of several of our kids in the running to qualify at the district meet,” said Hawks head coach Noe Stillman.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — After foul weather last week postponed the contest twice, the Harlingen Lady Cardinals finally got to host the Weslaco Lady Panthers in a District 32-6A showdown on Monday evening.

And while the rain held off for once, a deluge of runs by the Lady Panthers still poured down upon Lady Cardinals Field as Weslaco cruised past Harlingen 9-0 to improve to 3-0 in league play.

The loss, meanwhile, dropped the Lady Cards to 1-2.

After jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead after 1½ innings of play, the Lady Panthers blew the game wide open in the top of the fourth after Alyssa Escamilla drove in three runs on an inside-the-park home run to make it 6-0 Weslaco.

With two outs, and runners on second and third, Escamilla punched the ball to shallow left just in front of a diving Briana Garza, who narrowly missed making the spectacular catch as the ball rolled behind her allowing Escamilla to circle the bases for the homer.

The Lady Panthers also got a solid pitcher performances from Taylor Tafolla, who allowed a couple of hits to pick up the win, and Ashley Sada, who gave up just one hit through three innings of work to pick up the save.

Despite the impressive victory, Weslaco head coach Mario Rodriguez downplayed the outcome and urged his players to remain focused on the long season ahead.

“We had a couple of errors and we still have to clean up our mistakes,” he said. “We executed things that we work on in practice, but we still let some things get away from us.”

Meanwhile, Lady Cards head coach Cassandra Hernandez was disappointed with the way things transpired Monday, but remained optimistic.

“We have to always adjust and today was a little bit rough,” she said. “But, on the positive side, (starting pitcher) Skylar (Macias) had a solid outing and didn’t give up too many hard hits. Our defense just wasn’t awake today.”

The Lady Cards did nearly score a run in the bottom half of the second when Dre Arriaga hammered a shot to deep left that appeared to sail over the fence for a home run.

However, upon further review, the ball actually found its way into a small hole in the outfield screen, prompting the umpire to rule it a ground-rule double.

With Arriaga now at second and the hometown fans cheering loudly, the Lady Cards looked primed to cut into Weslaco’s lead. However, Tafolla put an end to any threat as she struck out the ensuing batter to close out the inning.

The Lady Cards get a chance to quickly turn things around as they play again tonight at Weslaco East at 7 then again on Thursday at 11 a.m. when they host Los Fresnos.

As for the Lady Panthers, they are at Brownsville Rivera today then host Harlingen South on Thursday at 7 p.m.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — While the host San Benito girls track & field team had to settle for silver in Friday’s season-opening Bobby Morrow Relays, the fact they finished that strong had coach Axle Valle feeling great about the season ahead.

“We still have a lot of girls out due to softball and basketball, yet despite that we came in second. We feel super about that,” Valle said.

The Lady Greyhounds finished the meet with a total of 90 points. Brownsville Hanna won the girls team title with 102 points.

Leading the way for the Lady ’Hounds was Crystal Ibarra, Alejandra Bernal and Lauren Rodriguez.

Ibarra took home three medals on Friday, including gold in the triple jump with a jump of 34-04.50.

Bernal also medaled three times, including a first-place finish in the 200 dash with a time of 25.89.

Finally, Rodriguez took gold in the 3,200 run and narrowly missed out on a third-place finish in the mile run.

“She really set the tone for the rest of the team by coming out and winning the two-mile run to start the day,” said Valle of Rodriguez.

Up next for the Lady ’Hounds is the Sams Relays in Brownsville next Saturday.

Another team that fared well on Friday was Harlingen High, which took home bronze in both the girls and boys divisions.

On the girls side, the Lady Cardinals finished with a total of 80 points and were paced by Kristen Kattan, who won gold in the 400 dash with a time of 1:04.74, and Juliana Guerrero, who took home silver in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet.

The Lady Cards also came in first in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays. The 4×100 relay team consists of Sara Alaniz, Jasmyn Tulloch, Autumn Mahatha and Yazmine Martinez. The 4×400 squad, meanwhile, is made up of Kattan, Tulloch, Martinez and Guerrero.

On the boys side, the Cardinals were led by Roel Renterria, who won gold in both the 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles. He was also part of the bronze-winning 4×400 relay team, along with Michael Medina, Art Benavides and Isaac Aguilar.

Aguilar also won a silver medal as part of the Cards’ 4×100 relay team. Running with Aguilar was Joe Reyna, Leo Tienda and Devin Rosas, who picked up a gold medal in the high jump with a leap of 6-02.

Brownsville Rivera won the boys team title with a total of 129 points and Mercedes, led by Zach Gomez, Matthew Ledesma, Dominic Christian Cavazos and Jonathan Reyes, finished in second.

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

While the 2016 San Benito Greyhounds were most noted for having a high-powered offense, the team’s defense was also one of the Valley’s best all season long.

And one of the biggest reasons for the squad’s stopping power was senior linebacker Emilio Garza.

This season he had 115 total tackles, averaged 10.5 tackles per game, had six sacks and recovered three fumbles.

His defensive prowess was solid enough to earn him a spot on the AP all-state team and also the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star squad where he was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Q: Congratulations on being named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Defensive Player of the Year. What does this accolade mean to you?

A: It makes me feel proud and accomplished. I always made sure to work diligently and it has truly paid off. I am so grateful to receive this award.

Q: You made the all-state team as well. How did that make you feel?

A: I feel proud and honored to receive this award as well.

Q: Talk a little about this past football season. Did it surprise you at how well the team did even though the program had lost so much talent after the 2015 season?

A: It wasn’t much of a surprise. Our team was always working hard, not only during the season but also in offseason and that’s what makes the difference.

Q: What moment from this past season stands out most to you?

A: The game against Harlingen South stood out most to me. I played well defensively.

Q: What game stands out most?

A: The game against Los Fresnos because they gave us good competition. It was a close game, but we kept fighting and came out on top.

Q: Which team was the toughest team you faced this season?

A: Laredo United. (San Benito opened the season with Laredo United and won 47-21.)

Q: Talk a little about the Battle of the Arroyo. What was it like playing in that game?

A: It was an exciting game. It’s a feeling I cannot explain.

Q: Did losing that game affect the team’s chemistry heading into the playoffs? Was it hard to refocus afterward?

A: No, it made us push harder. We were focused more than ever after that loss.

Q: How disappointing was it losing in the second round of the playoffs knowing that you had been able to go to the third round the season before?

A: It was disappointing. I knew we could’ve gone further, but we came up short that game (against Laredo United South).

Q: What is it like playing for Coach Daniel Gomez? What type of coach is he?

A: He’s always motivated us to do our best, not only on the field but off. It was more than just football to him. He taught us life lessons like responsibility and leadership.

Q: How did you, personally, prepare for games? Did you have a certain routine you would follow before taking the field?

A: I would get mentally focused and will go through plays in my head.

Q: Reflect on your years at San Benito High School. What will you miss most?

A: Football because it’s always been a part of my life.

Q: What would you like your future career to be?

A: Have my own welding company.

Q: If you couldn’t play football, what sport would you play?

A: Basketball.

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete? Why?

A: Ray Lewis because I loved the way he played the game with a passion.

Q: If someone were to describe your style of play, what professional athlete do you think they would compare you to?

A: Ray Lewis because I am a great leader and like to communicate to my defense.

Q: What is your prediction for Super Bowl LI?

A: The Patriots will win.

Q: Name one thing that most people might not know about you?

A: That I’m a shy guy.

VMS All-Star Team

MVP
Jesse Castro, Harlingen High

Offensive Player of the Year
Omar Silva, Port Isabel

Defensive Player of the Year
Emilio Garza, San Benito

Newcomer of the Year
Tyrone Harper, San Benito

Coach of the Year
Manny Gomez, Harlingen High

1st Team Offense
Quarterback: Erick Retta, San Benito
Running back: Roy Pedraza, Weslaco East
Wide receivers: Isaiah Trevino, San Benito; Brandon Perez, La Feria; Adrian Torres, Hayes Duffy, Harlingen High
Offensive line: Julio Pecina, San Benito; Oscar Del Abra, Port Isabel; Christian Herrera, Harlingen High; Abel Villarreal, Harlingen South; Zachary Cordova, La Feria
Kicker: Giovanni Guillen

1st Team Defense
Defensive ends: Christopher Bode, Port Isabel; Brandon Bennett, Harlingen South
Defensive tackles: Marco Garcia, Rio Hondo; John Alvarez, San Benito
Linebackers: Richard Moreno, San Benito; Zach Fayyad, Harlingen South; Darian Cortez, Raymondville
Secondary: Joshua Martinez, Harlingen High; Robert Ceballos, La Feria; Jarod Stroud, Lyford
Punter: Josiah Ortega, Rio Hondo

2nd Team Offense
Quarterback: Frank Moreno, Lyford
Running back: Gilbert Montemayor, Harlingen South
Wide receivers: Riley Sauceda; Julian Trevino, La Feria; Kaynon Fuentes, Harlingen High
Offensive line: Ty Rhyner, Rio Hondo; Joseph Hernandez, Lyford; Joseph Torres, Port Isabel; Christian Herrera, Harlingen High; Brandon Perez, Weslaco
Kicker: Jose Alas-Meza, Rio Hondo

2nd Team Defense
Defensive ends: Ryan Reza, San Benito; Michael Adameit, Lyford
Defensive tackles: Jorge Jaime, Harlingen High; Juan Delgado, Rio Hondo
Linebackers: Sam Gonzalez, Harlingen High; Javier Gonzalez, Lyford; Victory Luna, La Feria
Secondary: Ricky Gonzalez, Port Isabel; Jacob Posas, Raymondville; Pete Contreras, La Feria
Punter: Deion Castillo, Raymondville

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The 2016 volleyball season was somewhat bittersweet for San Benito junior captain Crystal Ibarra.

After a stellar start to the year, Ibarra went down with an injury on Oct. 1 and missed the second half of district play.

And while the Lady ‘Hounds did step up without their injured star and managed to make the playoffs, it was clear that the team dearly missed the spark that Ibarra provided.

For this reason, Ibarra was named the Valley Morning Star’s 2016 Volleyball All-Star Player of the Year.

The Star sat down with her to discuss her season, her injury and what the future holds.

Q: How does it feel to be named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Player of the Year?

A: I feel very honored and surprised that I was named The Valley Morning Star’s All-Star Player of the Year since I only played half a season.

Q: Talk a little bit about this past season. What moment sticks out for you the most?

A: This past season has been the best. My team, Coach Medina, Daniel and Coach Valle, and the support of my family; it was just awesome. Every practice was worth it, even the conditioning. Every game we learned something new about ourselves and my team’s chemistry was great. The moment that sticks out to me the most is the first day of official volleyball practice because I knew it was going to be a fantastic season.

Q: You were injured for a time this season. Talk about what it was like to miss games and what it took to come back.

A: Honestly the first question I asked my doctor was if I could play the next game. Sadly my foot was fractured and I was in a boot for six weeks and it took a month for recovery. I wasn’t going to abandon my team, fractured foot or not. I went to every game cheering them on. It was really frustrating just sitting on the bench, but I had to accept that I was injured.

Q: What moment, if any, would you like to change about this past season?

A: I would really want to change the fact that I got injured. I will always wonder how my season would have ended.

Q: Talk a bit about Coach Ruby Medina. What kind of coach is she?

A: Coach Medina has always been a fantastic coach. She’s patient and energetic, and made me the player I am today. But she is not just a coach to me, she has been there for me and I can talk to her about anything.

Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?

A: I have been playing volleyball for five years, since the seventh grade.

Q: How do you like to prepare for matches?

A: The team and I always say a prayer before each game, but, for fun (and to get rid of the jitters) we always say cheers and dance. Warming up before a game is always important. Stretching for me is very important because of the constant use of muscles to jump.

Q: If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play and why?

A: I also run track so if I could not play volleyball I would only do track because it is a really competitive sport that requires not only physical strength, but mental as well.

Q: Talk a bit about your team? What is the chemistry like between the girls?

A: My team is just great. Some of us have known each other since middle school and some of us have known each other since my freshman year. We are all sisters. During the summer we practiced long hours, becoming used to each other. Our chemistry is great. We never argue, never blame each other, and we are just a fantastic team.

Q: What game sticks out for you the most this season?

A: The game that sticks out the most would be the game versus the Harlingen Lady Cardinals. That game was probably the toughest loss for me. To make it worse, I couldn’t even finish the game because I had fallen and gotten injured.

Q: Who would you say was the toughest opponent you faced this season?

A: The toughest opponent my team faced would be the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons. They are an excellent team, but even though we lost against them, it was always an awesome game.

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?

A: Jesse Owens

Q: Any college plans?

A: My dreams for college had always been for me to get a scholarship for a sport. Being a volleyball player and running track, I know it’s going to be difficult but I always work hard and stay optimistic. I want to study forensic science and psychology.

Q: Any idea what you want to do professionally?

A: If I got a chance to play volleyball professionally, I would immediately take it because I love the sport. But I really do hope to run and jump professionally and maybe one day go to the Olympics for track and field.

Q: Tell our readers something about yourself that most people don’t know?

A: I get nervous before every game and meet. I get anxious and sometimes I can’t even speak. It’s funny because you would think I would be used to it after playing for five years, but it feels like it’s the first time I’ve ever played each time.

VMS All-Star Volleyball Team

Player of the Year
Crystal Ibarra, San Benito

Offensive Player of the Year
Anelli Rodriguez, La Feria

Defensive Player of the Year
Camryn Lopez, La Feria

Libero of the Year
Ashly Cantu, Raymondville

Newcomer of the Year
Ariel Garcia, San Benito

Coach of the Year
Rebea Fraga, La Feria

1st Team
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Allyson Benavides, Harlingen South
-Larisa Garcia, San Benito
-Claudia Mesa, Raymondville
-Erinn Ramirez, Mercedes
-Simone Harry, Port Isabel

2nd Team
-Arlene Lucero, San Benito
-Cameron Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Teagan Dickey, Harlingen
-Audrey Zavala, Raymondville
-Myah Salas, La Feria
-Bryanna Ramos, Harlingen

DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — The 2016 season was a complete roller coaster ride for the La Feria Lionettes.

After falling behind in the District 32-4A standings, it looked like the Lionettes were not destined to win a league title.

However, behind strong play from tough-minded players such as senior striker Anelli Rodriguez, the Lionettes battled their way back and eventually clinched the conference championship on the last day of the regular season.

Because of her tenacity at the net, Rodriguez was named the Valley Morning Star’s 2016 Volleyball All-Star Offensive Player of the Year.

The Star sat down with her to discuss this past season.

Q: How does it feel to be named the Valley Morning Star’s All-Area Offensive Player of the Year?

A: It’s an honor to be chosen.

Q: Talk a little bit about this past season. What moment sticks out for you the most?

A: We had some bumps in the road at the beginning of the season where Camryn (Lopez) and I were both out due to injuries. It was hard just watching my teammates play while I was out hurt. I just wanted to play the game I love.

Q: Talk a little about your time at La Feria? What moment do you remember most about your time as a Lionette?

A: I remember when Coach (Rebea) Fraga had told me to suit up with the varsity girls as a freshman. I was a bit overwhelmed about the whole idea.

Q: What moment, if any, would you like to change about this past season?

A: I honestly would change the way the first round of playoffs should’ve ended. We should’ve moved on to the second round. We worked too hard all season to have our journey end so quickly.

Q: Talk a bit about Coach Rebea Fraga. What kind of coach is she?

A: Coach Fraga is an inspiring coach. She’s taught me to believe and have confidence in myself.

Q: How long have you been playing volleyball?

A: I’ve been playing volleyball since the seventh grade.

Q: How do you like to prepare for matches?

A: I like to forget all my worries during pre-game. Once I’m on the court everything goes away for a little while.

Q: If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play and why?

A: I’d play basketball because that was actually my first love. But once I got to high school, I fell in love with volleyball.

Q: Talk a bit about your team? What is the chemistry like between the girls?

A: A team with new faces can be quite difficult, but over time my teammates and I bonded and became one.

Q: What game sticks out for you the most this season?

A: I think our second round of district against Progeso was definitely a game I’d never forget. Because the night before we played them, I lost my favorite person in the world: my grandmother. It was very difficult to take in everything at the time, but that was actually the best game I ever played.

Q: Who would you say was the toughest opponent you faced this season?

A: Our toughest opponent would be McAllen High. It’s a different tempo when playing against them.

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete?

A: My favorite professional player would be (American volleyball player) Rachael Adams.

Q: Any college plans?

A: I want to attend Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and major in nursing.

Q: Any idea what you want to do professionally?

A: I want to become a registered nurse.

Q: Tell our readers something about yourself that most people don’t know?

A: Most people don’t know this, but I can spike the ball both right- and left-handed.

VMS All-Star Volleyball Team

Player of the Year
Crystal Ibarra, San Benito

Offensive Player of the Year
Anelli Rodriguez, La Feria

Defensive Player of the Year
Camryn Lopez, La Feria

Libero of the Year
Ashly Cantu, Raymondville

Newcomer of the Year
Ariel Garcia, San Benito

Coach of the Year
Rebea Fraga, La Feria

1st Team
-Yazmine Martinez, Harlingen
-Allyson Benavides, Harlingen South
-Larisa Garcia, San Benito
-Claudia Mesa, Raymondville
-Erinn Ramirez, Mercedes
-Simone Harry, Port Isabel

2nd Team
-Arlene Lucero, San Benito
-Cameron Del Angel, Harlingen South
-Teagan Dickey, Harlingen
-Audrey Zavala, Raymondville
-Myah Salas, La Feria
-Bryanna Ramos, Harlingen