By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

PORT ISABEL — The Rivera Lady Raiders are working hard to achieve better things in softball this season.

A pair of wins Friday at the Los Fresnos-Port Isabel Tournament did a lot to help them on their way.

The Rivera girls downed Hidalgo 15-3 on Friday morning before adding a 4-2 victory against Port Isabel in the late afternoon.

The three-day, 10-team tournament that features round robin competition ends today.

There was more to smile about for the Lady Raiders on Friday after they started tournament play with two setbacks Thursday.

Friday’s victories gave Rivera a 5-4 record on the season.

“I feel like we’ve progressed a lot since last year, judging by the game we had against Port Isabel last season,” said Bethany Guzman, Rivera’s sophomore pitcher. “If I remember correctly, it was 17-1 (and we lost). This year, it was 4-2 and we won, so I really feel we’re getting a lot better as a team.

“Also, my pitching has improved,” added Guzman, who played on the varsity as a freshman. “I think I’m getting better as a player, so I feel that’s helping us. Actually, overall, we’re just doing really well.

“We’re definitely improving in our communication (on the field). Before, we wouldn’t really know the plays and where to go with the ball. We weren’t talking that much, and now, we’re communicating and playing together better as a team.”

Guzman went the distance for the six-inning win against Port Isabel. She had seven strikeouts with only one walk, allowing just three hits.

Rivera scored one run during the top of the first inning. The Lady Raiders added three more runs during the top of the second to take a 4-0 advantage.

Rivera’s initial first-inning run came home on a wild pitch.

An RBI infield single by Guzman in the second gave Rivera a 2-0 advantage before two more runs came in later during the inning due to a fielding error on a long ball hit to right field by Kenya Ibarra.

The Lady Tarpons closed the gap to 4-2 during the bottom of the fourth thanks to a two-run single to right-center field by Kyla Mata.

That’s the way the contest ended.

“I’m very happy with the way Bethany pitched,” Lady Raiders coach Joel Guzman said. “She made only one mistake on that hit when they scored two runs, but other than that, she held Port Isabel’s top hitters pretty much in check. That was one key.

“The other key was that our bats came alive in those first two innings,” the coach added. “We were able to jump on them right away. Those would be the two takeaways from this game.

“Going 2-0 today certainly builds our confidence going into our next non-district games and our next tournament. Our girls are coming together. They’re learning to play as a team. They’re understanding that everyone has to do her part. Yes, today was a big confidence booster for the whole team.”

Rivera outhit Port Isabel 7-3. Six of the Lady Raiders’ hits came during the first two innings. Ibarra led the way for Rivera by batting 2-for-2. Also for Rivera, Ashlyn Tapia batted 1-for-3 and led off the game with a double to right field.

In addition to the Lady Tarpons’ two-run single during the fourth by Mata, teammates Gabby Murchison and Alanna Zermeno each had a single.

“We’re a really, really young team,” said Lady Tarpons coach Danno Wise, whose team lost to Lyford 14-0 earlier Friday in the tournament. “We lost nine players from last year’s varsity squad, so we’re still kind of in an experimental stage (so far this season). We’re still figuring out what we have.

“Even with that said, we had a couple of girls out for this game with other events and activities, so we were even younger than we might already be,” added Wise, whose girls open District 32-4A competition at home Tuesday against Raymondville. “We had some other players in there trying to do what they could do.

“I thought our girls played with good energy and fight throughout the game against Rivera. We gave ourselves a chance to win it at the end, so that was good. Giving ourselves a chance to win is all we can ask. It just didn’t work out our way.”

Port Isabel closes out tournament play at home at 11 a.m. today against San Antonio Veterans Memorial. Rivera ended its tournament play Friday.

The Lady Raiders next play at PSJA Southwest on Tuesday.

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

LOS FRESNOS — So far, the new softball season is going quite well for the Lyford Lady Bulldogs.

Thanks to a pair of wins during Thursday’s opening day of the inaugural Los Fresnos-Port Isabel Tournament, the Lady Bulldogs are 10-0 on the season and playing some pretty solid ball.

The 10-team, round-robin tournament continues through Saturday at Los Fresnos and Port Isabel. Each team is guaranteed five games.

On Thursday, Lyford routed Hidalgo 20-0 to start the day at the tournament and finished it with a 9-4 triumph against Rio Hondo.

“Our team has a lot of talent and I am positive that we’re going to go really far this season with all the talent we have,” said Jerrica Rojas, the Lady Bulldogs’ ace pitcher who is a junior and three-year member of the varsity squad. “I’m proud of my girls. Hopefully we keep going and do well in District (32-3A) and the playoffs.”

The Lady Bulldogs are two-time defending district champions. Their game against Rio Hondo matched them against the defending District 32-4A champion Lady Bobcats.

“I think our pitching definitely stood out with Jerrica in the circle,” Lady Bobcats coach Joey Rios said. “Jerrica always does a great job for us. She gets ahead (in the count) early on and is able to play confidently, especially knowing the defense she has behind her.

“Our bats really woke up against Hidalgo, and it carried over into the game against Rio Hondo,” Rios added. “It was great to see from these young girls. We’re definitely at this tournament for the (strong) competition. I think Rio Hondo does a great job bringing the intensity, and I’m sure San Antonio (Veterans) Memorial is going to bring it, too, when we play them in our next game on Friday morning. We’re just excited about the competition here, we really are.”

Against the Lady Bobcats, it was 1-1 after the first inning before Lyford went up 2-1 during the top of the second. A five-run outburst in the top of the fourth made it 7-1, and Rio Hondo added a solo tally during the bottom of the fourth as it became 7-2. Each team scored a pair of runs during the fifth inning to account for the final score of 9-4.

Rojas went the distance for the five-inning win against Rio Hondo. She had seven strikeouts while giving up five walks and allowing five hits.

When Rio Hondo loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the fourth, Rojas eventually ended the threat with back-to-back strikeouts to retire the side after the Lady Bulldogs had given up one run that closed the gap to 7-2.

“Against Rio Hondo, we had a really good game,” Rojas said. “What made me proud about my team was, even though it was a little bit of a roller coaster throughout the game, as soon as we started hitting the ball (in the fourth inning), we started doing really well (and scored five runs).

“We had some ups and downs on defense,” she added. “But it was OK because we worked together as a team to finish the game off.”

Lyford outhit Rio Hondo 9-5.

Leadoff batter Hannah Garza led Lyford at the plate by going 2-for-3 with a single, a double and an RBI. Rojas also provided a highlight at the plate with a three-run triple during the fourth.

For Rio Hondo (4-4), which lost to San Antonio Veterans Memorial 4-1 earlier Thursday, the top batters against Lyford were five different players with a single apiece. The two with RBI singles were Abbie Torris and Kelsey Pizarro.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

As the District 32-6A soccer race reaches its midway point, the Los Fresnos Lady Falcons find themselves in the same position they finished conference competition one year ago.

The defending champion Lady Falcons are atop the 32-6A standings with a 5-0 record and 14 points. They are chasing their seventh district title in nine years, so being at the top is a familiar position for them.

“The district race has been very close, a lot closer than we anticipated,” said Lady Falcons coach Patricia K. Hernandez, who began the season with five returning starters. “We’ve been fortunate in that even though we have a very young team, our seniors have managed to bring it all together for us. They’re the perfect glue to bring this team together.

“At this point, our freshmen and sophomores are coming in (to varsity competition) without any fear,” Hernandez added. “As a coach, it’s something I’m very excited to see on the field.”

This is Hernandez’s fourth season as the head coach of Los Fresnos girls soccer.

“For me, this is almost full circle,” she said. “Obviously, coaching the seniors that we have on the squad right now (is special to me). Our objective is to leave a legacy, and I think these seniors are doing a good job of that. I think we’re representing Los Fresnos well.

“We’re trying to keep Los Fresnos’ name high,” she added. “Every game, that’s our goal.”

32-6A UPDATE

Since there are only six teams in 32-6A this season, the district can afford to take a week’s break at the halfway point of competition without any difficulties in scheduling.

So, this is vacation week with no games in 32-6A soccer. It’s actually not much of a vacation as everyone is still practicing and preparing for next week.

The second round of 32-6A action begins Tuesday with doubleheaders as the boys play at 5:30 p.m. and the girls play at 7:30 p.m., which is the reverse of the first round when the girls went first.

Next Tuesday’s doubleheader schedule has Harlingen South at Los Fresnos, Rivera at Hanna and San Benito at Harlingen High.

After the first round, in the 32-6A boys standings, it’s Rivera (3-2, nine points), Harlingen South (3-2, nine points), San Benito (3-2, eight points), Hanna (2-3, eight points), Harlingen High (2-3, six points) and Los Fresnos (2-3, five points).

For the 32-6A girls, the standings are Los Fresnos (5-0, 14 points), South (3-2, 10 points), Hanna 3-2, nine points), Harlingen High (3-2, nine points), Rivera (1-4, three points) and San Benito (0-5, no points).

TARPON TIME

Port Isabel’s boys have moved out to a 5-1 record in the District 32-4A race. They’re tied with Raymondville for the district lead at 32-4A’s halfway point after defeating Brownsville IDEA Frontier 4-1 on Tuesday.

“The guys are getting better with each game,” Tarpons coach Josh Kirton said. “We know we’ve played some tough teams, so our confidence is building. Our guys play hard and battle every game. We have a good group of guys that lead by example. They’ve bought into our plan and have executed it well. We take it one game at a time and give it all we’ve got.

“I’m proud of our players’ effort and determination so far, but we have a long way to go,” Kirton added. “We’ve got to keep working hard everyday and never settle or take our foot off the peddle.”

The Tarpons next play host to Brownsville IDEA Riverview at 6 p.m. Friday.

32-5A UPDATE

District 32-5A boys and girls were open Tuesday after completing the first round of their conference play last Friday.

The second round begins Friday with doubleheaders featuring the girls playing at 5:30 p.m. and the boys playing at 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s 32-5A schedule has Pace at Brownsville Veterans Memorial, Lopez at Edcouch-Elsa, Donna High at Porter and Mercedes at Valley View.

In the latest 32-5A boys standings, it’s Brownsville Veterans (6-1, 18 points), Valley View (6-1, 18 points), Lopez (5-2, 14 points), Porter (4-3, 13 points), Pace (4-3, 12 points), Donna High (2-5, six points), E-E (1-6, three points) and Mercedes (0-7, no points).

In the updated 32-5A girls standings, it’s Pace (6-1, 18 points), E-E (5-2, 15 points), Porter (5-2, 13 points), Brownsville Veterans (4-3, 13 points), Lopez (4-3, 13 points), Donna High (3-4, nine points), Mercedes (1-6, three points) and Valley View (0-7, no points).

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Harlingen High boys and girls soccer teams each find themselves within striking distance of the lead at the halfway point of the District 32-6A races.

The first round ended last Friday.

Since there are only six teams in 32-6A this season, the district can afford to take a week’s break at the midpoint of competition without any difficulties in scheduling.

So, this is vacation week with no games in 32-6A soccer. Actually, it’s not much of a vacation as practice continues for everyone.

At this point for 32-6A girls, the standings are Los Fresnos (5-0, 14 points), Harlingen South (3-2, 10 points), Harlingen High (3-2, nine points), Brownsville Hanna 3-2, nine points), Brownsville Rivera (1-4, three points) and San Benito (0-5, no points).

“It has been a tight race for the top four spots,” Lady Cardinals coach Debra Galvan said. “No game has been easy, and no game will be easy this second time around.

“The girls are training hard and preparing for the second round where we know how crucial each game is,” she added. “All we can do is take it one game at a time and hope everyone stays injury free. Our goal is to make the playoffs, and we haven’t lost sight of that goal.

“As for our team, we have suffered some injuries and we are working at getting the girls to play more cohesively, so overall, I am proud of them and hope they can continue to get wins.”

The second round of 32-6A action begins next Tuesday with doubleheaders as the boys play at 5:30 p.m. and the girls play at 7:30 p.m., which is the reverse of the first round when the girls went first.

Next Tuesday’s doubleheader schedule has South at Los Fresnos, Rivera at Hanna and San Benito at Harlingen High.

After the first round, in the 32-6A boys standings, it’s Harlingen South (3-2, nine points), Rivera (3-2, nine points), San Benito (3-2, eight points), Hanna (2-3, eight points), Harlingen High (2-3, six points) and Los Fresnos (2-3, five points).

“It’s been a very competitive district,” Cardinals coach Johnny Guillen said. “Teams are even throughout the district and the point separation is very minimal every night there is a change in the standings.

“We have done a good job so far, but we need to find a way to finish our games,” Guillen added. “That is what has hurt us in the first round. Our expectation for the second round is to be able to finish out every game at a high level, and God willing, we can make the playoffs.”

The highlight of district so far for the Cardinals was a 1-0 victory at Hanna on Feb. 5.

BEARKATS, TARPONS CO-LEADERS IN 32-4A

Raymondville and Port Isabel are co-leaders of the District 32-4A boys race as the second round gets underway. Both squads have 5-1 conference records.

District action continues at 6 p.m. Friday with Raymondville at Monte Alto and Port Isabel at home against Brownsville IDEA Riverview.

“For us at Raymondville, we need to play our game and avoid any unnecessary penalties or silly mistakes,” Bearkats coach Robert Howell said. “If our student/athletes do their jobs in the classroom and on the field, we should be fine.
“However, this is not the time for us to let up,” Howell added. “We indeed have a lot of work to do in the second half of the season.”

During their first-round matchup on Feb. 8, Port Isabel defeated Raymondville 6-1 to hand the Bearkats their only 32-4A loss. The Tarpons’ only district loss was a 2-1 setback at La Feria on Feb. 5.

The next matchup between the Bearkats and Tarpons is scheduled March 5 in Port Isabel.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

BROWNSVILLE — A pretty successful basketball season continues to get even better for the Edinburg Vela Sabercats.

The Sabercats pulled away from a feisty Brownsville Hanna squad during the fourth quarter to capture a 65-58 Class 6A bi-district victory Tuesday night at the Golden Eagles’ gym.

District 31-6A co-champion Vela (26-10) moves on to the area round of the playoffs later this week to face Laredo United South.

“Our perseverance is what stood out to me in this game,” Vela coach Lucio Rodriguez said. “Our guys never gave up. It started with the technical (awarded to Hanna before the game began to make it 2-0). We battled some adversity, and the guys’ resilience showed. They wanted this game.

“This win is great for our players,” Rodriguez added. “We do this so we can see them celebrate. Just seeing them celebrate brings a joy to the team. We’re trying to give our seniors the best season that we can. It’s all about them. We’re trying to give them a memorable season to look back upon in the future as one of their best.”

Hanna, the District 32-6A co-runner-up, ends its season at 18-14.

“I think we played excellent basketball,” Hanna coach Fermin Lucio said of his team’s effort against the Sabercats. “I can’t ask anything more of a team. We scored probably the most points we’ve scored all year long, and the boys executed to perfection.

“That’s a great program we were facing on the other side in Vela,” Lucio added. “They made plays when they needed to, and more power to them. Vela is a district championship team. They lost the flip (for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs) to Edinburg Economedes. We lost our flip to Harlingen High (for the No. 2 playoff seed), so it was just two good teams matching up here tonight.”

For three and a half quarters, it remained quite close.

Hanna led 18-17 after one quarter, and the Sabercats were on top 36-35 at intermission after outscoring the Eagles 19-17 during the second period.

The Sabercats took a 47-45 advantage into the final quarter after outpointing Hanna 11-10 during the third period. Vela broke things open and outscored Hanna 18-13 during the fourth quarter.

Hanna’s biggest lead was five points twice late in the second quarter. The Eagles’ Charles Thirlwall scored on a drive with three minutes to go before intermission to make it 33-28. Then, with 2:08 left before the half, Hanna’s Issac Iracheta scored off a rebound for a 35-30 tally.

The largest advantage for the Sabercats was nine points twice during the final quarter. Vela’s Kaleb Coronado scored on a drive from the right side with 3:44 remaining to give his team a 59-50 edge. Teammate Noah Sekinger sank a pair of free throws with 3:22 left for a 61-52 lead.

Sekinger made the second of two free throws with 12.8 seconds showing to account for the winning margin of seven points, 65-58.

Victor Campos led Hanna with 13 points, including one 3-pointer. Teammates Sabian Arceneaux and Cristian Torres added 14 and eight points, respectively. Each had a pair of 3-pointers.

Vela was led by Sekinger’s 21 points. Also scoring in double figures for Vela were Bobby Espericueta and Josh Diaz with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Espericueta had two 3-pointers and Diaz had one. Coronado added nine points, including one 3-pointer.

Hanna was making its first playoff appearance in four years.

“I think playing on our home court tonight gave us a little energy and helped us,” Lucio said. “We’re just proud of our boys and excited for what the future holds. We had missed the playoffs for a few years, so all the power to our senior group that really got us going in the right direction this year.

“This senior group won’t be forgotten anytime soon,” he added. “They kind of set the table for us, and now we have some good underclassmen who are coming up. We’re excited about them keeping us moving in the right direction.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Two Brownsville teams with ambitions of making it back to the state playoffs opened the 2019 baseball season Monday night at Hanna’s Pye Memorial Field.

The non-district opener played under overcast skies with cool temperatures, breezy conditions and eventually rain at the end was won 4-0 by the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers over the Hanna Golden Eagles.

The Chargers, defending District 32-5A champions, were just more productive both offensively and defensively than the Eagles on this night that wasn’t exactly ideal for prime-time baseball.

Uncomfortable weather aside, there was plenty to be happy about for the Chargers.

“This win motivates us to get better and to keep going,” said Brownsville Veterans’ Heriberto Maldonado, who smashed a two-run double down the right-field line to give his team a 3-0 advantage during the top of the fifth inning. “It’s a win that gives us better hopes for the season.

“We should be fine for the season,” the Chargers catcher added.

Before Maldonado’s well-placed hit down the line that broke open the game, teammate Cristian Holloway made it 1-0 with an RBI single to left field during the third inning.

The fourth run for the Chargers came in the sixth inning, when Rafael Capistran hit into a fielder’s choice that saw him put out at first base on the play. While Capistran was being thrown out at first, teammate Jesus Kaar dashed home from third to make it 4-0.

“We came out right off the bat with a lot of energy,” Chargers coach Albert Rodriguez said. “Coming out of the dugout (to start a game), the No. 1 thing for us is to bring energy to the field. We had solid defense and great pitching tonight.

“This win gives us momentum going into the Laredo Tournament later this week,” he added. “It starts Thursday. Hanna’s playing in the tournament, too.”

Brownsville Veterans outhit Hanna 4-1, with Holloway going 2-for-2 with a pair of singles for the Chargers. Hanna’s only hit was a single in the third inning by No. 9 batter Derek Alvarado.

Hanna’s best scoring chance came during the bottom of the fifth inning, when the Eagles had runners at second and third with only one out. But Chargers reliever Jorge Lozano fanned back-to-back Hanna batters to end the threat.

The Eagles committed four errors, and the Chargers had none.

Hanna used four pitchers. Brownsville Veterans used three, with starter Javier Hinojosa taking the win. Starter Marco Martinez took the loss for Hanna.

ROY HESS | Staff Writer

CORPUS CHRISTI — St. Joseph Academy’s soccer season came to an end with Saturday’s 2-1 TAPPS Division II state quarterfinal loss to San Antonio Christian.

The Bloodhounds finished with a 13-9-1 record following their defeat to the Lions at Corpus Christi John Paul II’s Bishop Carmody Athletic Field on an overcast, but otherwise pleasant afternoon in the Coastal Bend.

The Lions improved to 14-10-2. They face San Antonio TMI Episcopal or Houston Lutheran South next week in the TAPPS Division II state semifinals.

SJA coach Edgar Tovar said he was sad to see the Bloodhounds’ season end, and he thanked his players for all their hard work and efforts in making it a success despite Saturday’s result. The Bloodhounds won two games in the playoff before Saturday’s setback.

“We battled thoughout the game until the very end,” Tovar said. “This is what it is in soccer. The result went to the other side. It means we will continue working hard for the next season.

“This season was a beautiful experience,” he added. “We’re content that our players gave their best to do well. Our hope is that soccer will continue to grow and have greater success at St. Joseph.”

From the start of the match, the Bloodhounds and Lions battled back and forth on fairly even terms until San Antonio Christian caught SJA somewhat by surprise on a long-distance shot from approximately 45 yards away during the 32nd minute.

Sam Dieterle’s blast from midfield came in high and carried past the outstretched arms of the SJA goalkeeper before settling into the back of the net.

The Lions’ 1-0 halftime lead was increased to 2-0 during the 49th minute when the Bloodhounds were called for a pushing foul in the goalmouth as the players lined up and jostled between each other on a Lions’ corner kick taken from the right side.

Noah Platzer converted the ensuing PK, giving the Lions a two-goal advantage with 31 minutes left to play.

The Bloodhounds weren’t able to generate very much on the offensive end until six minutes remained. A long pass from the left side was headed in by SJA’s Antonio Salum to cut the lead to 2-1.

That’s the way the contest ended.

“It was a well-played match with both teams playing well,” San Antonio Christian coach Robin Rapp said. “It was one of those games that could have gone either way. St. Joe had a great season, and our players have had one, too.

“It was just one of those deals where both teams were fighting hard to make it to the final four,” Rapps added. “We were just fortunate enough to balance out the day (and win). Who knows? Tomorrow it might have been a different outcome with St. Joe winning. They played well.”

Valley HS Boys Soccer Schedule 2018

Friday, Feb. 15

District 30-6A

Mission High 4, PSJA High 3 (PKs)

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 6, McAllen High 0

La Joya High 2, McAllen Rowe 1

McAllen Memorial 8, PSJA North 3.

District 31-6A

Edinburg Economedes 2, Edinburg North 1

Edinburg Vela 2, Edinburg High 1

Weslaco East 2, Weslaco High 0

District 31-5A

Roma 2, Sharyland Pioneer 1

Sharyland High 5, PSJA Southwest 1

La Joya Palmview 4, Rio Grande City 1

PSJA Memorial 5, Mission Veterans

District 32-5A

Valley View 9, Donna High 0

Brownsville Lopez 3, Mercedes 0

Brownsville Veterans 5. Edcouch-Elsa 0

District 32-4A

Raymondville 3, Rio Hondo 1

Tuesday, Feb. 19

District 30-6A

Mission High at La Joya High, 6 p.m.

PSJA High at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, 6 p.m.

McAllen High at PSJA North, 6 p.m.

District 31-6A

Donna North at Edinburg High, 6 p.m.

Edinburg North at Weslaco High, 6 p.m.

Weslaco East at Edinburg Vela, 6 p.m.

District 31-5A

Sharyland High at PSJA Memorial, 8 p.m.

Sharyland Pioneer at Rio Grande City, 8 p.m.

District 31-4A

Friday, Feb. 22

District 30-6A

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln at PSJA North, 8 p.m.

Mission High at McAllen Memorial, 8 p.m.

PSJA High at La Joya High, 8 p.m.

District 31-6A

Edinburg North at Edinburg Vela, 8 p.m.

Edinburg Economedes at Weslaco High, 8 p.m.

Weslaco East at Donna North, 8 p.m.

District 31-5A

Sharyland High at La Joya Palmview, 6 p.m.

Sharyland Pioneer at PSJA Southwest, 6 p.m.

District 32-5A

Mercedes at Valley View, 5:30 p.m.

District 31-4A

Progreso at Hidalgo, 7:30 p.m.

Valley HS BOYS SOCCER BOX SCORES

Friday’s Games

District 30-6A

Lj JUAREZ-LINCOLN 6, McALLEN HIGH 0

Juarez-Lincoln ;2;4; — ;6

McAllen High ;0;0; — ;0

Juarez-Lincoln (6) Johan Arevalo 2, Sergio Escareno, Tony Torres, Victor Hernandez

RECORD: Valley View 14-2-3; 6-0

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Victories over city rivals are always nice, and the Porter Cowboys picked up one Friday night.

The Cowboys broke out of a three-game losing streak with a 4-0 District 32-5A triumph at home over the Pace Vikings.

Porter built a 3-0 first-half lead en route to the win.

“I think the ball bounced our way tonight,” Porter coach Jose Espitia said. “We knew it was a crucial game, and our boys stepped up to the plate.

“I’m proud of my boys on a great showing,” Espitia added. “My hat is off to Pace because they kept fighting all game long.”

Porter improved to 4-3 with 13 points to stay close to the top of the district standings as the first round of district came to a close. Pace slipped to 4-3 with 12 points.

The Cowboys went up 1-0 during the 13th minute when Rodolfo Armendariz blasted in a kick from 50-plus yards away on the left side of the field. The Pace goalkeeper came out to get it, but he misjudged things as the ball took a high bounce over him and went into the goal.

It became 2-0 during the 22nd minute after the Vikings were called for a pushdown foul in the penalty area on a corner-kick play from the right side. Oscar Garcia converted the ensuing PK for the Cowboys.

Porter took a 3-0 advantage into intermission thanks to a goal during the 31st minute. A long free kick from the right side was headed in by Xavier Mateos after he let the ball bounce first before putting it into the net.

The goal to seal the victory was made by Garcia during the 54th minute. Garcia attacked with the ball down the left sideline, beat a defender and then dribbled in close before sending the ball into the goal past the goalkeeper to make it 4-0.

Prior to Friday’s game, the Cowboys were coming off losses to Valley View (6-2), Lopez (3-2 in PKs) and Brownsville Veterans Memorial (2-1).

“I think it was a good experience to play those top-caliber teams (even though we lost),” Espitia said. “I’m proud of my boys because they kept fighting regardless of those three losses in a row.”

The evening ended with a Pace victory as the Lady Vikings captured the nightcap of the 32-5A doubleheader 2-1 over the Cowgirls.

Paloma Zamora scored just 49 seconds into the match for Pace before Porter tied the score at 1 before halftime.

A goal by Arianna Garcia with an assist by Alexis Guajardo with 31 minutes left lifted the Lady Vikings to the win.

Coupled with Brownsville Veterans’ 2-0 win against Edcouch-Elsa, Friday’s victory gave the Lady Vikings sole possession of the 32-5A lead with a 6-1 record and 18 points. Porter, last week’s district leader, is 5-2 with 13 points. E-E is in second place at 5-2 with 15 points.

“I believe my team is peaking,” said Lady Vikings coach Jesus O. Villarreal, whose girls have now won five straight matches. “The district has been really close, and we’ve been getting points here and there. All the district games have been very close and intense.

“Right now, we’re peaking,” he added. “Our girls have the idea of the intensity it takes (to win in 32-5A). The players know (now) what they need to do. We’ve fixed mistakes, and the last few games, particularly tonight, they showed how smooth they can play. I didn’t see any signs tonight of my players getting overly excited, so that was good.

“I’m not saying it was an easy game tonight by any means. Porter is a completely intense team to play against, and those girls are well-coached.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Miguel Castro, former sports editor at The Brownsville Herald, has lost his two-year battle against cancer at age 40.

Castro died Tuesday in his native San Antonio.

He came to Brownsville in 2002 and worked at The Herald as a sports writer for a few years before being promoted to sports editor. Castro left The Herald in 2008 to accept a job at the San Antonio Express-News. He continued to live in San Antonio until his death.

He is remembered as a dedicated journalist with an always present sense of humor and smile whose goal was to promote local sports coverage.

Among those who worked with Castro and appreciated his talents was Joshua Caldwell. From 2003-07, Caldwell worked in The Herald sports department with the former sports editor.

“Miguel moved to Brownsville knowing nothing about the city or its people,” said Caldwell, a 2002 Porter graduate who is now an attorney in San Antonio. “He eventually called Brownsville home for a little more than five years. He understood we didn’t work for the New York Times or Dallas Morning News, but knew that our work needed to be just as good for our readers.

“Miguel prided himself on our local coverage, whether it was a Friday night football game or Little League baseball,” Caldwell added. “He knew that our work was going up on kids’ bedroom walls or in scrapbooks and yearbooks, so he made sure we wrote and presented our stories that way.

“Miguel loved covering volleyball and was also an avid player. I’ll miss him.”

Castro was a 1996 graduate of San Antonio Christian School. He earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas-Austin in 2001.

Besides spending time with his family, the other big passions of his life were following the Texas Longhorns and playing or covering volleyball. He came to be known in the co-ed volleyball community of San Antonio as “Migs” and also as the “Godfather of Volleyball.”

Another person in the Valley who knew Castro well is former Brownsville Pace volleyball coach Paula Gonzalez, now the McAllen ISD athletic director. Castro used to cover Pace’s matches when Gonzalez was the coach.

“I’ll always remember Miguel as such a generous person who loved the game of volleyball,” Gonzalez said. “He was always so helpful. He’d cover our games and we’d compare stats after it was over.

“I liked his style of writing,” Gonzalez said. “He always had something positive to say. We looked forward to reading his stories. More than being a great journalist, Miguel was a great guy. I’m so sorry to hear this news about him.”

Among those who survive Castro are Camila, his wife of 16 years, Genesis, the couple’s young daughter, and Castro’s parents, Miguel H. and Linda Fuentes Castro, all of San Antonio.

Services for Castro are scheduled Saturday in San Antonio beginning with visitation at 2:30 p.m. and a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. For more information, call (210) 349-1414.