By KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
HARLINGEN — The Brownsville Hanna Lady Golden Eagles are heading to the postseason.
Brownsville Hanna secured a 15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-13 win Saturday against the Harlingen High Lady Cardinals.
“ We are still in the race for a district crown. It feels great to clinch a playoff spot today, I haven’t told the girls yet, but their goal and desire is to win a district title” Hanna coach Ansgar Hagemann said.
After dropping the first set, Hanna went on to win the next three sets behind a 17 kill, seven-dig performance from Odalys Gonzalez.
Hanna has now reached the playoffs for a fifth straight season and next travels Tuesday to San Benito. The Lady ’Hounds won Saturday, putting them at 3-4 on the year. They are still eyeing a playoff spot.
“ This was a close game today against Harlingen (High). It doesn’t matter what place the team is in, it is going to be a tough match and that is just how this district is,” Hagemann said. “Now we have San Benito up next, they just beat Harlingen South, and South took us to five sets. So we will have to prepare for San Benito, they are another tough team.”
Brownsville Hanna managed to fend off a pair of Harlingen High rallies during the second and third sets. Vivian Izaguirre kept the offense going with her 15-kill performance, and Tabitha Fernandez fed the offense with a team-high 40 assists.
During the fourth set, Hanna flexed its muscles and raced out to a quick 12-6 lead, then kept it in cruise control for the rest of the match.
“ We didn’t come out ready to play in the first set,” Hagemann said. “After that first set our intensity picked up and we were able to play our game. We knew Harlingen (High) was going to come in ready, they just came off a big win against San Benito, and that shows their skill level.”
Meanwhile, the Lady Cards are still alive in the playoff picture with a 2-5 record. They will take on unbeaten Los Fresnos before wrapping up their season with Harlingen South and Brownsville Rivera.
In the loss, Taegan Dickey led the team in kills with 25, Desiree Sanchez finished with 21 kills and nine blocks, Alina Prado had eight digs, and Gabby Serna collected nine blocks.