By ROY HESS |The Brownsville Herald
Hanna and Pace got together for a non-district volleyball match Tuesday afternoon at Hanna with the Lady Golden Eagles prevailing 25-16, 25-19, 20-25, 25-17.
“We basically always enjoy playing the other Brownsville schools, even when it’s not in district,” Hanna coach Ansgar Hagemann said. “It’s always fun.”
Hanna plays in District 32-6A, which doesn’t start until Sept.18. Pace plays in District 32-5A, which is set to begin Sept. 8.
Until then, there will be plenty of non-district matches and tournaments.
Hanna got off to a strong start Tuesday at home and won the opening game decisively 25-16. The Lady Eagles took control of the match by capturing the second game 25-19.
Leading the way as hitters for the Lady Eagles were Ariana Arcenaux and Odalys Gonzales.
“We’re still working on different lineups and formations,” Hagemann said. “We did well the first two games and then Pace did well in the third game (and won 25-20). We got back to playing better in the fourth game (and won 25-17).
“We had some highlights, some good moments,” Hagemann added. “We were trying various lineups.”
First-year Pace coach Pamela McCumber said Hanna was a solid opponent for her team.
“It was a good preseason match,” she said. “It helps us see what we need to work on.”
McCumber said middle blockers Rosa Salinas and Stephanie Saenz each had five kills for the Lady Vikings. Teammate Alexys Arce, a libero, led the Lady Vikings with 13 digs.
“Our blocking and coverage improved,” McCumber said. “We played the net better.”
Pre-district play continues for both teams later this week.
Hanna next plays in the eighth annual Volley at the Beach Tournament starting Thursday in Port Isabel. The Lady Eagles are defending champions of the tournament.
Pace next plays in the Mission Tournament, which starts Friday.