BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
EDINBURG — After sharing the District 31-6A title last year, Victoria Rogers and the Edinburg North Lady Cougars entered 2015 determined to win the championship outright.
On Saturday, needing a victory against PSJA Memorial to avoid having to split the crown three ways, Edinburg North made its aim a reality. The Lady Cougars came out strong and never let up, securing a 25-10, 25-22, 25-19 win over the Lady Wolverines.
“This was our goal for the season from the start,” Rogers said. “We knew it would be tough, because we knew there were some really good teams, like PSJA Memorial. But we all just had one goal, and we set out for it, and now we’ve reached it.”
Rogers led the way for North with 18 kills and 14 digs. Kali Martinez, Lizeth Cavazos and Julie Villarreal all had at least six kills, while Ayissa Maldonado dished out 37 assists.
“Coming into the match, some words were said to the newspaper that they were coming in here ready to beat us at our house,” Maldonado said. “It’s not all about the hype, we just need to come on the court and play, and I feel like we did that today.”
Knowing what was on the line, the Lady Cougars came into the match with mixed emotions, Cavazos said. North was excited for the opportunity, but also nervous about another potential title share.
The Lady Cougars showed no signs of those jitters, jumping out to a 6-0 lead and cruising through the first set.
“As soon as the game started, we got into our rhythm,” Cavazos said. “We got into our motion. Nothing was able to stop us. Nothing was able to get in our way.”
North jumped out strong again in Game 2, but Memorial did its best to counterattack, taking a 21-20 lead behind a 12-4 run. North responded, closing out the game with four straight points, including two aces from Villarreal.
The Lady Cougars continued to play a more attacking style in Game 3 and never trailed, leading by as many as 10 points en route to all-but securing their season-long goal.
“The returners really wanted to send a message that (the district title) should’ve been ours last year, and we took care of business this year,” coach Adrian Cavazos said. “Our experience in big games carried us today.”
North has won seven consecutive matches since a first-round setback against Edinburg High. Maldonado said that loss, and the prospect of having to split the title with Lady Bobcats for a second straight year, motivated the Lady Cougars.
At 10-1 in district, North just needs to take care of business against 0-11 Edinburg Economedes on Tuesday to secure the title outright.
“I honestly feel like I’m on cloud nine,” Maldonado said. “It’s amazing. Coming out with the win almost every game, its unbelievable.”
Although PSJA Memorial lost its shot to share the district title, the Lady Wolverines are still 9-3 and will likely take the district’s No. 3 seed.
A playoff appearance of any kind is a big step for the program, which last year finished fifth in district at 5-7.
“Obviously, we’re going to regroup,” coach Angie Gonzales said. “We’re going to come back fired up.”